| wassail | 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 [Rowena], the daughter of Hengist, knelt down on the approach of the king, and, presenting him with a cup of wine, exclaimed, Lord king waes heil, that is, literally, Health be to you." (N. Drake) 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." "The king doth wake to-night and takes his rouse, Keeps wassail." (Shak) "The victors abandoned themselves to feasting and wassail." (Prescott) 3. The liquor used for a wassail; especially, 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. A festive or drinking song or glee. "Have you done your wassail! 'T is a handsome, drowsy ditty, I'll assure you." (Beau. & Fl) Origin: AS. Wes hal (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. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| wasserhelle cell | A variety of chief cell, so-called because the cytoplasm contains much glycogen that is not preserved or stained in the usual preparation. Synonym: wasserhelle cell. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Wassermann antibody | Antibody, evoked during syphilitic infections, that combines with cardiolipin in the presence of lecithin and cholesterol; it is distinct from the treponema-immobilizing antibody. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Wassermann reaction | <investigation> A complement fixation test used to diagnose syphilis. (31 Dec 1997) |
| Wassermann test | <investigation> A complement fixation test used to diagnose syphilis. (31 Dec 1997) |
| Wassermann, August von | <person> German bacteriologist, 1866-1925. See: Wassermann antibody, Wassermann reaction, Wassermann test, provocative Wassermann test. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Wassermann-fast | A term used to designate a case in which the Wassermann reaction remains positive despite all treatment. (05 Mar 2000) |