What is the meaning of Handsel?

A lucky omen.

A gift given at New Year, or at the start of some enterprise or new situation, meant to ensure good luck.

Price, payment; especially the first installment of a series.

To give a handsel to.

To inaugurate by means of some ceremony; to break in.

To use or do for the first time, especially so as to make fortunate or unfortunate; to try experimentally.

down payment, security

a good omen

Source: wiktionary.org