handfast Hear it!

handfast definition

hand·fast (hand′fast′)

noun

  1. a firm hold, as with the hands
  2. a contract, esp. of marriage or betrothal, confirmed by a handclasp

Etymology: < handfastthe

adjective

  1. Obsolete betrothed or married
  2. Rare tightfisted

transitive verb

Obsolete to betroth or marry by joining hands

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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