Handfast Definition

hăndfăst
noun
A firm hold, as with the hands.
Webster's New World
A contract, esp. of marriage or betrothal, confirmed by a handclasp.
Webster's New World

(obsolete) A hold, grasp; custody, power of confining or keeping.

Wiktionary
adjective
Betrothed or married.
Webster's New World

(obsolete) Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.

Wiktionary

(rare) Strong; steadfast.

Wiktionary
verb
To betroth or marry by joining hands.
Webster's New World

To pledge; to bind.

Wiktionary

Origin of Handfast

  • From Middle English hondfast past participle of hondfesten to betroth from Old Norse handfesta to strike a bargain, pledge hönd hand festa to fasten, fix, affirm past- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Middle English hondfast, past participle of hondfesten 'to betroth', from Old Norse handfesta 'to strike a bargain, pledge', itself from hönd 'hand' + festa 'to fasten, fix, affirm' (compare see past- in Indo-European roots).

    From Wiktionary

  • German Handfest, itself from Hand 'hand' + fest 'firm, strong'.

    From Wiktionary

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