Hand"fast` (?), n.
1.
Hold; grasp; custody; power of confining or keeping.
[Obs.]
Shak.
2.
Contract; specifically, espousal.
[Obs.]
© Webster 1913.
Hand"fast`, a.
Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.
[Obs.]
Bale.
© Webster 1913.
Hand"fast`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Handfasted; p. pr. & vb. n. Handfasting.]
To pledge; to bind; to betroth by joining hands, in order to cohabitation, before the celebration of marriage.
[Obs.]
© Webster 1913.
Hand"fast`, n. [G. handfest; hand hand + fest strong. See Fast.]
Strong; steadfast.
[R.]
Carlyle.
© Webster 1913.