[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

hansel \han"sel\ ha^n"se^l, n.  v.
   see handsel.
   1913 webster
see also:
handsel 

[2] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

handsel \hand"sel\ ha^nd"se^l, n. written also hansel.
   oe. handsal, hansal, hansel, as. handselena giving into
   hands, or more prob. fr. icel. handsal; hand hand + sal sale,
   bargain; akin to as. sellan to give, deliver. see sell,
   sale. 
   1. a sale, gift, or delivery into the hand of another;
      especially, a sale, gift, delivery, or using which is the
      first of a series, and regarded as an omen for the rest; a
      first installment; an earnest; as the first money received
      for the sale of goods in the morning, the first money
      taken at a shop newly opened, the first present sent to a
      young woman on her wedding day, etc.
      1913 webster

            their first good handsel of breath in this world.
                                                  --fuller.
      1913 webster

            our present tears here, not our present laughter,
            are but the handsels of our joys hereafter.
                                                  --herrick.
      1913 webster

   2. price; payment. obs. --spenser.
      1913 webster

   handsel monday, the first monday of the new year, when
      handsels or presents are given to servants, children, etc.
      1913 webster
see also:
hansel sell sale handsel monday 

Hansel >> H Words
Hansel, definition of term: Hansel
hansel_pag1.html