WASSAILER Meaning and
Definition
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A wassailer refers to an individual who actively participates in the ancient English tradition of wassailing. Derived from the Old English words "wes hál" meaning "be hale" or "be well," wassailing originally referred to a practice of raising one's glass in toast and wishing good health to others during celebratory occasions. Over time, it evolved into a seasonal festival, typically occurring during the Twelfth Night or Christmas tide, where wassailers would visit people's homes and orchards, singing carols and offering blessings for prosperity and fertility.
In the context of the festival, a wassailer represents a joyful and mirthful participant, often dressed in traditional clothing such as tailcoats, top hats, and colorful scarves. Holding a wassail cup filled with a warm spiced beverage, the wassailer would lead a group of carolers from door to door, inviting occupants to share in the festivities and partake in the wassail drink. The wassailer's roving band, known as a "wassail crew" or "mummers," would often play music and sing traditional songs associated with winter celebrations.
Beyond the traditional wassailing festival, the term "wassailer" can also be applied more broadly to individuals who engage in merry-making, revelry, and merriment during other festive occasions. The spirit of a wassailer embodies the joyous camaraderie and communal celebration that accompanies communal singing, feasting, and wishing goodwill to all for a prosperous and fruitful year ahead.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for WASSAILER
- qassailer
- aassailer
- sassailer
- eassailer
- 3assailer
- 2assailer
- wzssailer
- wsssailer
- wwssailer
- wqssailer
- waasailer
- wazsailer
- waxsailer
- wadsailer
- waesailer
- wawsailer
- wasaailer
- waszailer
- wasxailer
Etymology of WASSAILER
The word "wassailer" is derived from the Middle English term "wæs hæil", which means "be in good health" or "be whole". It is a compound of the Old English words "wæs", meaning "to be", and "hæil", meaning "health" or "whole". The term "wassailer" originally referred to a person who participates in the drinking custom of wassailing, which involved going from house to house during the Christmas season, offering good wishes and drinking to the health of the inhabitants. Over time, the term "wassailer" came to encompass both those who engaged in the wassailing practice and those who generally enjoyed the festivities and merry-making associated with it.
Similar spelling words for WASSAILER
- wagler,
- Oscillaria,
- yesler,
- wassailry,
- Ocellary,
- eissler,
- wessler,
- essilor,
- esler,
- ISSLR,
- OSLER,
- USAELRO,
- ISOLR,
- ISOLAR,
- wussler,
- ECELR,
- Asialorrhoea,
- EESLR,
- easler,
- WESLOR,
- WISSLR,
- wissler,
- weaseller,
- Aslure,
- ocellaria,
- ESSLR,
- weisweiler,
- wiselier,
- Assailer,
- wizzler,
- weaseler,
- ICILRA,
- assholery,
- wesler,
- ocellar.
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