FOOD RESOURCE COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES, OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
WASSAIL
Garrett, Theodore Francis (edited by). 1898. the Encyclopedia of Practical Cookery. L. Upcott Gill, 170, Strand, W.C. London. Vol. iv
is a term originated from the Anglo-Saxon wes hal, signifying literally "be in health". As certain times of the year are set apart for merry-making and drinking healths, so the word Wassail came to mean a kind of debauchery, but in modern times the term has almost disappeared.