Wassail, a drinking-bout, carousing, quaffing: “at wakes and --s,” LLL V, 2, 318. “a w. candle,” H4B I, 2, 179 (a large candle lighted up at a feast). “his two chamberlains will I with wine and w. so convince,” Mcb. I, 7, 64. “takes his rouse, keeps w.” Hml. I, 4, 9. “leave thy lascivious --s,” Ant. I, 4, 56 (O. Edd. vassailes, some M. Edd. vassals).
FAQs
What does wassail mean in Macbeth? ›
Wassail, a drinking-bout, carousing, quaffing: “at wakes and --s,” LLL V, 2, 318. “a w. candle,” H4B I, 2, 179 (a large candle lighted up at a feast). “his two chamberlains will I with wine and w. so convince,” Mcb.
How many words did Shakespeare add to the English lexicon? ›William Shakespeare is credited with the invention or introduction of over 1,700 words that are still used in English today. William Shakespeare used more than 20,000 words in his plays and poems, and his works provide the first recorded use of over 1,700 words in the English language.
What does wassail stand for? ›“Wassail” is the modern spelling of the old English phrase “waes hael” meaning “good health!” Shared as a salutation or toast, the proper response was “drink health!” and indeed, wassail is a drink, as well.
What does wassail mean in literature? ›1. : an early English toast to someone's health. 2. : wild drinking : revelry. wassail.
Who was Shakespeare's wife? ›Who was Shakespeare's Wife? William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in November 1582 and they remained married until Shakespeare's death. At the time of their marriage William was 18, while Anne was 26—and pregnant with their first child.
What was the first word invented in English? ›The first word may not be known, but the oldest ones may have been identified by the scientists. Reading University researchers claim "I", "we", "two" and "three" are among the most ancient, dating back tens of thousands of years.
What is written on Shakespeare's grave? ›The findings deepen the mystery around Shakespeare's last resting place. The grave does not bear his name, merely this warning rhyme: "Good friend, for Jesus' sake forbear, to dig the dust enclosed here. Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones."
What does wassail mean in Old English? ›According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "wassail" originated as a borrowing from the Old Norse salutation ves heill, corresponding to Old English hál wes þú or wes hál; literally meaning 'be in good health' or 'be fortunate'.
What is wassailing in England? ›What is wassailing? The purpose is to encourage the spirits into ensuring a good harvest the following season. It takes place on the twelfth night after Christmas and involves a visit to a nearby orchard for singing, dancing, drinking and general merrymaking.
What is the response to wassail? ›The word wassail comes from the Norse and old English traditional drinking salute; 'Was hael' meaning 'good health'. The response is 'Drinc hael! ' or 'I drink to your health' – in other words, 'Cheers'!
What do the witches in Macbeth call themselves? ›
Three “Weïrd Sisters” appear to Macbeth and his comrade Banquo after a battle and prophesy that Macbeth will be king and that the descendants of Banquo will also reign.