[ˈwas(ə)l], (Noun)

Definitions:
- spiced ale or mulled wine drunk during celebrations for Twelfth Night and Christmas Eve
(e.g: a mighty bowl of wassail in which the apples were hissing and bubbling)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English wæs hæil ‘be in (good) health!’: from Old Norse ves heill (compare with hail). The drinking formula wassail (and the reply drinkhail ‘drink good health’) were probably introduced by Danish-speaking inhabitants of England, and then spread, so that by the 12th century the usage was considered by the Normans to be characteristic of Englishmen

[ˈwas(ə)l], (Verb)

Definitions:
- drink plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way
(e.g: he feasted and wassailed with his warriors)

- go from house to house at Christmas singing carols
(e.g: here we go a-wassailing)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English wæs hæil ‘be in (good) health!’: from Old Norse ves heill (compare with hail). The drinking formula wassail (and the reply drinkhail ‘drink good health’) were probably introduced by Danish-speaking inhabitants of England, and then spread, so that by the 12th century the usage was considered by the Normans to be characteristic of Englishmen