handsel

(hăn'-) Chiefly British.
n.

1. A gift to express good wishes at the beginning of a new year or enterprise.
2. The first money or barter taken in, as by a new business or on the opening day of business, especially when considered a token of good luck.
3. 1. A first payment.
   2. A specimen or foretaste of what is to come.

tr.v., -seled, or -selled, also -seled or -selled, -sel·ing, or -sel·ling, -sel·ing or -sel·ling, -sels, -sels.

1. To give a handsel to.
2. To launch with a ceremonial gesture or gift.
3. To do or use for the first time.

[Middle English hanselle, from Old English handselen, a handing over (hand, hand + selen, gift) and from Old Norse handsal, legal transfer (hand, hand + sal, a giving).]

also hansel

noun

Something bestowed freely: gift, present², presentation. See give/take/reciprocity.

1) a gift made as a token of good wishes or luck especially at the beginning of a new year
2) something received first (as in a day of trading) and taken to be a token of good luck
3 a) a first installment: earnest money b) earnest, foretaste