Handfast Definition

hăndfăst

noun

A firm hold, as with the hands.

Webster's New World

A contract, esp. of marriage or betrothal, confirmed by a handclasp.

Webster's New World

(obsolete) A hold, grasp; custody, power of confining or keeping.

Wiktionary

adjective

Betrothed or married.

Webster's New World

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

Wiktionary

(rare) Strong; steadfast.

Wiktionary

verb

To betroth or marry by joining hands.

Webster's New World

Wiktionary

Origin of Handfast

From Middle English hondfast past participle of hondfesten to betroth from Old Norse handfesta to strike a bargain, pledge hönd hand festa to fasten, fix, affirm past- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Middle English hondfast, past participle of hondfesten 'to betroth', from Old Norse handfesta 'to strike a bargain, pledge', itself from hönd 'hand' + festa 'to fasten, fix, affirm' (compare see past- in Indo-European roots).

From Wiktionary
German Handfest, itself from Hand 'hand' + fest 'firm, strong'.

From Wiktionary

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