Handsale

/ˈhændseɪl/ noun

Definition

A symbolic exchange or gift given as a token of friendship or agreement, or to seal a business deal with a handshake; historically, the first sale or transaction of the day.

Etymology

From hand + sale; Middle English term combining the physical gesture of hand-shaking with the concept of sale or agreement, often marked by an actual exchange of tokens.

Kelly Says

Handsale captures a pre-legal era when a handshake between honest people was binding—it's why we still say 'my word is my bond' and why breaking a handshake deal feels like a profound betrayal.

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