handfast /(hănd"fȧst`)/

1. Hold; grasp [Obs.]
2. Custody; power of confining or keeping. [Obs.]
3. A contract; specifically, an espousal. [Obs.]

1. Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands. [Obs.]

imp. & p. p. handfasted; p. pr. & vb. n. handfasting

1. To pledge; to bind. [Obs.]
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.]

1. Strong; steadfast. [R.]