handfast Meaning, Definition & Usage

Hand"fast` noun
Definitions
  1. Hold; grasp; custody; power of confining or keeping. Obs. Shak.
  2. Contract; specifically, espousal. Obs.
Hand"fast` adjective
Definitions
  1. Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands. Obs. Bale.
Hand"fast` transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Handfasted; present participle & verbal noun Handfasting
Definitions
  1. To pledge; to bind; to betroth by joining hands, in order to cohabitation, before the celebration of marriage. Obs.
Hand"fast` noun
Etymology
G. handfest; hand hand + fest strong. See Fast.
Definitions
  1. Strong; steadfast.R. Carlyle.

Webster 1913