Handsel

Handsel denotes earnest-money, or part-payment, by way of binding a bargain. In some parts of England 'fasten-penny' is used with the same signification. In Scotland handsel popularly signifies the first of a series of transactions in trade, as, for example, the first sale effected in the day or week, or the first of a series of presents. It is likewise employed to signify a present given, generally to a servant or child, on the first Monday in the year—hence called Handsel Monday.