Definitions For Handfast

Etymology 1

From Middle English hondfast, past participle of Middle English hondfesten, , to betroth, from {{etyl, non, en}} handfesta, , to strike a bargain, pledge, itself from hönd, , hand + festa, , to fasten, fix, affirm (compare see past- in Indo-European roots).

Noun

HANDFAST (plural HANDFASTs) (obsolete) A hold, grasp; custody, power of confining or keeping. (obsolete) A contract, agreement, covenant; specifically betrothal, espousal.

Translations

Dutch: handvest, n French: poignée de main German: Handfest, n Spanish: atado de las manos, m

Verb

{{en-verb}} (transitive) To pledge; to bind (transitive, Scotland, archaic, or, historical, except, Wicca) To betroth by join#verb, joining hand#noun, hands, in order to allow for cohabitation before the celebration of marriage; to marry provisionally.

Adjective

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

Etymology 2

{{etyl, de, en}} handfest, itself from Hand, , hand + fest, , firm, strong.

Adjective

(rare) Strong; steadfast.

Translations

Norwegian: håndfast