Luck, old-style, is a term that refers to the idea of luck being something that is predetermined and out of one's control. HAP is an abbreviation for 'HAPPENSTANCE, ' which is defined as an event that occurs by chance or accident. CESS is an abbreviation for 'CESSATION, ' which is defined as the act of ceasing or stopping. Together, these two terms refer to the idea that luck is something that is predetermined and out of one's control, and that it can come to an end at any time.