Wassail — Defs

01 n. An ancient expression of good wishes on a festive occasion, especially in drinking to some one.

1.
An ancient expression of good wishes on a festive occasion, especially in drinking to some one.
“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 waes heil, that is, literally, Health be to you.” — N. Drake.
2.
An occasion on which such good wishes are expressed in drinking; a drinking bout; a carouse.
“The king doth wake to-night and takes his rouse, Keeps wassail.” — Shak.

“The victors abandoned themselves to feasting and wassail.” — Prescott.
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. Also: lamb's wool
“A jolly wassail bowl, A wassail of good ale.” — Old Song.
4.
A festive or drinking song or glee.[Obs.]
“Have you done your wassail! 'T is a handsome, drowsy ditty, I'll assure you.” — Beau. & Fl.

02 a. Of or pertaining to wassail, or to a wassail; convivial; as, a wassail bowl.

1.
Of or pertaining to wassail, or to a wassail; convivial; as, a wassail bowl.

Phrases & compounds

Wassail bowl — a bowl in which wassail was mixed, and placed upon the table.

Wassail cup — a cup from which wassail was drunk.

03 v. i. To hold a wassail; to carouse.

1.
To hold a wassail; to carouse.
“Spending all the day, and good part of the night, in dancing, caroling, and wassailing.” — Sir P. Sidney.