/
ˈwɒseɪl,
ˈwɒs(ə)l,
ˈwa-/
n.
- spiced ale or mulled wine drunk during celebrations for Twelfth Night and Christmas Eve.
- lively festivities involving the drinking of much alcohol.
v.
- make merry with much alcohol.
-
[usu. as noun wassailing]
go from house to house at Christmas singing carols.
Derivative
Etymology
ME wæs hæil ‘be in (good) health!’: from ON ves heill (cf. hail2).