Wassail (?), n. [AS. wes hāl (or an equivalent form in another dialect) be in health, which was the form of drinking a health. The form wes is imperative. See Was, and Whole.]
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1. An ancient expression of good wishes on a festive occasion, especially in drinking to some one.
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Geoffrey of Monmouth relates, on the authority of Walter Calenius, that this lady [Rowena], the daughter of Hengist, knelt down on the approach of the king, and, presenting him with a cup of wine, exclaimed, Lord king wæs heil, that is, literally, Health be to you. N. Drake.
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2. An occasion on which such good wishes are expressed in drinking; a drinking bout; a carouse. “In merry wassail he . . . peals his loud song.” Sir W. Scott.
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The king doth wake to-night and takes his rouse,
Keeps wassail. Shak.
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The victors abandoned themselves to feasting and wassail. Prescott.
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3. The liquor used for a wassail; esp., a beverage formerly much used in England at Christmas and other festivals, made of ale (or wine) flavored with spices, sugar, toast, roasted apples, etc.; -- called also lamb's wool.
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A jolly wassail bowl,
A wassail of good ale. Old Song.
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4. A festive or drinking song or glee. [Obs.]
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Have you done your wassail! 'T is a handsome, drowsy ditty, I'll assure you. Beau. & Fl.
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Wassail, v. i. To hold a wassail; to carouse.
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Spending all the day, and good part of the night, in dancing, caroling, and wassailing. Sir P. Sidney.
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