E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Unhou’selled (3 syl.).
Without having had the Eucharist in the hour of death. To housel is to administer the “sacrament” to the sick in danger of death. Housel is the Saxon husel (the Eucharist). Lye derives it from the Gothic hunsa (a victim).
