handfast

(hand′fast′)

noun

Origin: < handfastthe

adjective

transitive verb

Obsolete to betroth or marry by joining hands

Origin: ME handfasten < OE handfæstan, to make fast, ratify & < ON handfesta: see hand & fasten

See handfast in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
Archaic

A handclasp used to signify a pledge, such as a contract or marriage.

Origin:

Origin: From Middle English hondfast

Origin: , past participle of hondfesten, to betroth

Origin: , from Old Norse handfesta, to strike a bargain, pledge

Origin: : hönd, hand

Origin: + festa, to fasten, fix, affirm; see past- in Indo-European roots

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