handfast

  1. Noun.  (obsolete) A hold, grasp; custody, power of confining or keeping.
  2. Noun.  (obsolete) A contract, agreement, covenant ; specifically betrothal, espousal.
  3. Verb.  (transitive) To pledge; to bind.
  4. Verb.  (transitive) To betroth by joining hands, in order to allow cohabitation before the celebration of marriage; to marry provisionally.
  5. Adjective.  (obsolete) Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.
  6. Adjective.  (rare) Strong; steadfast.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.