handfast
- Noun. (obsolete) A hold, grasp; custody, power of confining or keeping.
- Noun. (obsolete) A contract, agreement, covenant ; specifically betrothal, espousal.
- Verb. (transitive) To pledge; to bind.
- Verb. (transitive) To betroth by joining hands, in order to allow cohabitation before the celebration of marriage; to marry provisionally.
- Adjective. (obsolete) Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.
- Adjective. (rare) Strong; steadfast.
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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.