Category:Fastness

Fast"ness, n. Etym: [AS. fæstnes, fr. fæst fast. See Fast, a.]

1. The state of being fast and firm; firmness; fixedness; security; faithfulness. All. . . places of fastness [are] laid open. Sir J. Davies.

2. A fast place; a stronghold; a fortress or fort; a secure retreat; a castle; as, the enemy retired to their fastnesses in the mountains.

3. Conciseness of style. [Obs.] Ascham.

4. The state of being fast or swift.