01 n. Hold; grasp
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1.
Hold; grasp[Obs.]
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2.
Custody; power of confining or keeping.[Obs.]
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3.
A contract; specifically, an espousal.[Obs.]
Entry
7 senses · 4 variants
Webster, 1913
handfast
02 a. Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.
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1.
Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.[Obs.]
03 v. t. To pledge; to bind.
imp. & p. p.
handfasted; p. pr. & vb. n.
handfasting
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1.
To pledge; to bind.[Obs.]
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2.
To betroth by joining hands, in order to permit cohabitation, before the formal celebration of marriage; in some parts of Scotland it was in effect to marry provisionally, permitting cohabitation for a year, after which the marriage could be formalized or dissolved.[Obs.]
04 a. Strong; steadfast.
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1.
Strong; steadfast.[R.]