hand·fast (h nd fst )n. Archaic A handclasp used to signify a pledge, such as a contract or marriage. [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; see past- in Indo-European roots.] |
handfast [ˈhændˌfɑːst] Archaic
n
1. an agreement, esp of marriage, confirmed by a handshake
2. a firm grip
vb (tr)
1. to betroth or marry (two persons or another person) by joining the hands
2. to grip with the hand
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