"This is their custom, and their jest, When they are at the ale or feast; Ilk man that loves where him think, Shall say Wassail! and to him drink. He that bids shall say wassail! The t'other shall say again Drinkhail! That says wassail drinks of the cup - Kissing his fellow, he gives it up. Drinkhail! he says, and drinks thereof, Kissing him in board and skof."

Robert de Brunne; Temp. Edward I. II.

During the Christmas week bands of men, calling themselves "Wassailers," carry about, at night time, a large bowl, made from the wood of the apple-tree; and sing a song and chorus before the doors of their neighbours. Two pieces of stick are generally bent crossways over the bowl:' these, as well as the bowl, are ornamented with laurel, mistleoe, various other evergreens, gay ribbons, etc. At the conclusion of the song, the bowl is sent into the house for inspection, in the' hope that it may be returned well filled with beer, etc., or accompanied by some trifling pecuniary donation.