*wassail*

n. [ AS. wes hāl (or an equivalent form in another dialect) be in health, which was the form of drinking a health. The form wes is imperative. See Was, and Whole. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. An ancient expression of good wishes on a festive occasion, especially in drinking to some one. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An occasion on which such good wishes are expressed in drinking; a drinking bout; a carouse. “In merry wassail he . . . peals his loud song.” Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

The king doth wake to-night and takes his rouse,
Keeps wassail. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

The victors abandoned themselves to feasting and wassail. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

A jolly wassail bowl,
A wassail of good ale. Old Song. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A festive or drinking song or glee. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Have you done your wassail! 'T is a handsome, drowsy ditty, I'll assure you. Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]