WASSAIL

wassail. Wassail, n. a drink made of apples, sugar and ale

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Was″sail (?), 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.]] 1. 1. An ancient expression of good wishes on a festive occasion, especially in drinking to some one.
Geoffrey of Monmouth relates, on the authority of Walter Calenius, that this lady , the daughter of Hengist, knelt down on the approach of the king, and, presenting him with a cup of wine, exclaimed, Lord king wæs heil, that is, literally, Health be to you. N. Drake. 2. 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.
The king doth wake to-night and takes his rouse, Keeps wassail. Shak. The victors abandoned themselves to feasting and wassail. Prescott. 3. 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.
A jolly wassail bowl, A wassail of good ale. Old Song. 4. 4. A festive or drinking song or glee.
Have you done your wassail! 'T is a handsome, drowsy ditty, I'll assure you. Beau. & Fl.