See Also: handfast(1)(dictionary)
handfast(2)(dictionary)
handfast(dictionary)

handfast (iou)



handfast verb trans. ['han(d)f¨»:st] LOE.
[In sense 1 from Old Norse handfesta strike a bargain by joining hands etc.; in senses 2, 3 from HAND noun + FAST adjective.]
Betroth (two people or one person to another); esp. contract (a person or two people) to cohabit with another or together for a trial period before marriage. obsolete exc. Hist. LOE.
b. Of a man: become betrothed to, cohabit with (a woman). Long rare. L16.
Grasp, seize firmly with the hand. M16-M17.
Manacle, secure the hands of. L16-E17.
handfasting noun (obsolete exc. Hist.) betrothal; the ceremony of contracting a trial period of marriage: L15.