Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
handfast
hand′fastˊ
(hănd′fȧstˊ)
, Noun.
1.
Hold; grasp
[Obs.]
Shak.
2.
Custody; power of confining or keeping.
[Obs.]
Shak.
3.
A contract; specifically, an espousal.
[Obs.]
hand′fastˊ
,Adj.
Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.
[Obs.]
Bale.
hand′fastˊ
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
handfasted
; p. pr. & vb. n.
handfasting
.] 1.
To pledge; to bind.
[Obs.]
Webster 1828 Edition
Handfast
HAND'F`AST
,Noun.
HAND'F`AST
,Adj.
HAND'F`AST
,Verb.
T.
Definition 2024
handfast
handfast
English
Noun
handfast (plural handfasts)
- (obsolete) A hold, grasp; custody, power of confining or keeping.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Shakespeare to this entry?)
- (obsolete) A contract, agreement, covenant; specifically betrothal, espousal.
Translations
Verb
handfast (third-person singular simple present handfasts, present participle handfasting, simple past and past participle handfasted)
- (transitive) To pledge; to bind
- (transitive, Wicca) To betroth by joining hands, in order to allow for a wedlease or temporary cohabitation before the celebration of marriage; to marry provisionally.
- (1820) When we are handfasted, as we term it, we are man and wife for a year and a day; that space gone by, each may choose another mate, or, at their pleasure, may call the priest to marry them for life; and this we call handfasting. - Sir Walter Scott, The Monastery
Adjective
handfast
- (obsolete) Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.
- (Can we find and add a quotation of Bale to this entry?)
Etymology 2
German Handfest, itself from Hand 'hand' + fest 'firm, strong'.
Adjective
handfast (comparative more handfast, superlative most handfast)
- (rare) Strong; steadfast.
Translations
strong; steadfast
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