Dictionary

handgift en · NOUN

Etymology

From Middle English *handgift, from Old English handgift (“a gift given by hand; a marriage gift”), equivalent to hand + gift. Compare Dutch handgift, Middle High German hantgift (“handgift”).

Meanings

1. A gift given directly (i.e. by hand), usually to a newly wedded couple; a wedding gift
   • [...] Belgian law is rather reluctant to characterise such cases as a handgift, but it is prepared to accept a valid gift in the form of a so-called “indirect gift”. 2011, Wolfgang Faber, Brigitta Lurger, Acquisition and Loss of Ownership of Goods - Page 594:
   • Would it not be best to just let life go by now, to treasure her friends and use her handgifts to help others? To become closer to some, and especially, in honor of the only man she would ever love, become closer to his parents? 1994, Karen Harper, The Wings of Morning - Page 103:
   • Thanks for a Knife Llywelyn, eagle of fine men, fierce in battle, son of the tawny grey man, prince and foster-son of praise, refined, proud, virtuous hawk, is there any better weapon, good is the handgift, than the one you gave me, renowned gift? 1993, Iolo (Goch), Iolo Goch: Poems - Page 42:

Forms

Relateds

handsel