wassail

1) Originally a salutation, offered when presenting a guest with a cup of ale or wine. It came to be associated with the festivity and then with a particular celebration.

In 1697, Dr Kaye of Woodsome wrote in his diary: to Claton wassel yestern. The original diary is in Bodleian Library but Kirklees archives hold a copy.

places Woodsome
sources YAS manuscripts
dates 1697

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