holdfast

[ hohld-fast, -fahst ]

noun
  1. something used to hold or secure a thing in place; a catch, hook, clamp, etc.

  2. Botany, Mycology. any of several rootlike or suckerlike organs or parts serving for attachment.

Origin of holdfast

1
First recorded in 1550–60; noun use of verb phrase hold fast

Words Nearby holdfast

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use holdfast in a sentence

  • He therefore called holdfast to him, and proceeded cautiously towards the thicket.

  • As he was threading his way, he heard the howl of a dog, and on looking round, perceived that holdfast was not with him.

  • Edward made up his mind, and immediately walked out to cross the clearing, calling holdfast to heel.

  • The flock of goats was much admired, and the next morning was driven out into the forest to feed, attended by Pablo and holdfast.

  • I have taught holdfast to take care of them, and he never leaves them now, and brings them home at night.

British Dictionary definitions for holdfast

holdfast

/ (ˈhəʊldˌfɑːst) /


noun
    • the act of gripping strongly

    • such a grip

  1. any device used to secure an object, such as a hook, clamp, etc

  1. the organ of attachment of a seaweed or related plant

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012