Category:Handfast

Hand"fast`, n.

1. Hold; grasp; custody; power of confining or keeping. [Obs.] Shak.

2. Contract; specifically, espousal. [Obs.]

handfast Hand"fast`, a.

Defn: Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands. [Obs.] Bale.

handfast Hand"fast`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Handfasted; p. pr. & vb. n. Handfasting.]

Defn: To pledge; to bind; to betroth by joining hands, in order to cohabitation, before the celebration of marriage. [Obs.]

handfast Hand"fast`, n. Etym: [G. handfest; hand hand + fest strong. See Fast.]

Defn: Strong; steadfast.[R.] Carlyle.