Hand"fast` (?), n.

1.

Hold; grasp; custody; power of confining or keeping.

[Obs.]

Shak.

2.

Contract; specifically, espousal.

[Obs.]

 

© Webster 1913.


Hand"fast`, a.

Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.

[Obs.]

Bale.

 

© Webster 1913.


Hand"fast`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Handfasted; p. pr. & vb. n. Handfasting.]

To pledge; to bind; to betroth by joining hands, in order to cohabitation, before the celebration of marriage.

[Obs.]<-- ##?? to allow cohabitation? -->

 

© Webster 1913.


Hand"fast`, n. [G. handfest; hand hand + fest strong. See Fast.]

Strong; steadfast.

[R.]

Carlyle.

 

© Webster 1913.

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