What does "handfast" mean?
Handfast: Contract; specifically, espousal. [Obs.]
Additional senses
- 2.Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands. [Obs.] Bale.
- 3.To pledge; to bind; to betroth by joining hands, in order to cohabitation, before the celebration of marriage. [Obs.]
- 4.Strong; steadfast.[R.] Carlyle.
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00