Definitions
1.NounA lucky omen.
2.NounA gift given at New Year, or at the start of some enterprise or new situation, meant to ensure good luck.
3.NounPrice, payment; especially the first installment of a series.
4.VerbTo give a handsel to.
5.VerbTo inaugurate by means of some ceremony; to break in.
6.VerbTo use or do for the first time, especially so as to make fortunate or unfortunate; to try experimentally.