English Explanatory Dictionary

handfast

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A hold, grasp; custody, power of confining or keeping.
  2. A contract, agreement, covenant; specifically betrothal, espousal.
verb
  1. To pledge; to bind.
  2. To betroth by joining hands, in order to allow for cohabitation before the celebration of marriage; to marry provisionally.
adj
  1. Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.
adj
  1. Strong; steadfast.

Word forms

handfast handfasts handfasting handfasted more handfast most handfast

Etymology

From Middle English hondfast, past participle of Middle English hondfesten (“to betroth”), from Old Norse handfesta (“to strike a bargain, pledge”), itself from hönd (“hand”) + festa (“to fasten, fix, affirm”), perhaps from a Proto-Indo-European root *pHst-.

Derived words

handfastly
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