An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language / in which the words are explained in their different senses, authorized by the names of the writers by whom they are used, or the titles of the works in which they occur, and deduced from their originals

by John Jamieson

Hand-fasting, Hand-fastnyng, s. Marriage with the incumbrance of some canonical impediment, not yet bought off.

Su. G. handfaestning, id.

Wyntown.

Hand-hauand, part. pr. Having in possession, applied to stolen goods.
Skene.

Teut. hand-haven, to possess.

Handy-grips, s. pl. Close grappling, S.
Rutherford.

Handsel, s.
1. The first money received for goods, S.
2. A gift conferred at a particular season, S.
3. A piece of bread given before breakfast, Galloway.

Su. G. handsoel, mercimonii divenditi primitiae.

Handsel monday, The first Monday of the New Year, O. S.; when children and servants receive handsel, S.
Statist. Acc.

HAND-STAFF, s.
1. The upper part of a flail, S.
2. A constellation, supposed to be Orion's sword.
Douglas.