handfasting

/ (ˈhændˌfɑːstɪŋ) /

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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

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.

Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

true

false

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Words nearby handfasting

handed, handedness, Handel, Handel, George Frederick, handfast, handfasting, hand-feed, hand, foot, and mouth disease, handful, hand glass, hand grenade

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

How to use handfasting in a sentence

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 consisted of "handfasting" and the exchange of something, even if only a kiss, to bind the bargain.
Women of England, Volume 9 (of 10)|Burleigh James Bartlett
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