handfast

American  

[hand-fast, -fahst] / ˈhændˌfæst, -ˌfɑst /

noun

1. Archaic. a covenant or contract, especially a betrothal, usually completed by a handclasp.

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handfast British  

/ ˈhændˌfɑːst /

noun

1. an agreement, esp of marriage, confirmed by a handshake

2. a firm grip

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verb

1. to betroth or marry (two persons or another person) by joining the hands

2. to grip with the hand

Etymology

Origin of handfast

1150–1200; Middle English (past participle), earlier handfest < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse handfestr, past participle of handfesta to betroth with a joining of hands, equivalent to hand hand + festa to betroth, literally, make fast, fasten

Example Sentences

"A Candidatus Theoligiae, your Majesty," answered a handfast threadbare youth one day, when questioned in this manner.—"Where from?"

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 04 by Carlyle, Thomas

Heart handfast in heart as they stood, "Look thither," Did he whisper?

From The Ontario Readers: The High School Reader, 1886 by Ontario. Ministry of Education

“Please it you, Mistress Winter, I am handfast to wedlock; and he that shall be mine husband it is that I have talked withal this even.”

From For the Master's Sake A Story of the Days of Queen Mary by Petherick, Horace

Lindsay, the chronicler, says of Alexander Dunbar, son of the sixth Earl of Moray, and Isobel Innes,—“This Isobel was but handfast with him, and deceased before the marriage.”

From Bygone Church Life in Scotland by Various

My father and yours were handfast friends, Captain Ireton.

From The Master of Appleby A Novel Tale Concerning Itself in Part with the Great Struggle in the Two Carolinas; but Chiefly with the Adventures Therein of Two Gentlemen Who Loved One and the Same Lady by Lynde, Francis