handfasting

/ (ˈhændˌfɑːstɪŋ) /

noun

an archaic word for betrothal

(formerly) a kind of trial marriage marked by the formal joining of hands

a contemporary pagan (esp Wiccan) marriage ceremony

Nearby words

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

Examples from the Web for handfasting

The author then goes on to rebuke a custom that at the handfasting there is made a great feast and superfluous banquet.
Folk-lore of Shakespeare|Thomas Firminger Thiselton-Dyer
The marriage was only binding for one year, but if both parties were then satisfied, the "handfasting" was continued for life.
From John O'Groats to Land's End|Robert Naylor and John Naylor
This custom of handfasting does not seem to have been peculiar to your parish.
Notes and Queries, Number 48, Saturday, September 28, 1850|Various
The 'handfasting' thus concluded, 'Ye hae forgot the bride ale!'
Border Ghost Stories|Howard Pease

After the handfasting and making of the contract, the church-going and wedding should not be deferred too long.
Folk-lore of Shakespeare|Thomas Firminger Thiselton-Dyer