holdfast

[ hohld-fast, -fahst ]

/ ˈhoʊldˌfæst, -ˌfɑst /

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noun

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

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

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Origin of holdfast

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

Words nearby holdfast

holder, Hölder condition, holder in due course, Hölderlin, hold everything, holdfast, hold forth, hold good, hold in, holding, holding company

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use holdfast in a sentence

He therefore called Holdfast to him, and proceeded cautiously towards the thicket.
The Children of the New Forest|Captain Marryat
As he was threading his way, he heard the howl of a dog, and on looking round, perceived that Holdfast was not with him.
The Children of the New Forest|Captain Marryat
Edward made up his mind, and immediately walked out to cross the clearing, calling Holdfast to heel.
The Children of the New Forest|Captain Marryat
The flock of goats was much admired, and the next morning was driven out into the forest to feed, attended by Pablo and Holdfast.
The Children of the New Forest|Captain Marryat

I have taught Holdfast to take care of them, and he never leaves them now, and brings them home at night.
The Children of the New Forest|Captain Marryat

British Dictionary definitions for holdfast

holdfast

/ (ˈhəʊldˌfɑːst) /

noun

the act of gripping strongly
such a grip

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

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

holdfast

Origin of holdfast

Words nearby holdfast

Words related to holdfast

How to use holdfast in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for holdfast