Handsel \Hand"sel\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Handseled} or {Handseled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Handseling} or {Handselling}.] [Written also hansel.] [OE handsellen, hansellen; cf. Icel. hadsala, handselja. See {Handsel}, n.] 1. To give a handsel to. 2. To use or do for the first time, esp. so as to make fortunate or unfortunate; to try experimentally. No contrivance of our body, but some good man in Scripture hath handseled it with prayer. --Fuller.