handfast

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

noun

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

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 from the Web for handfast

British Dictionary definitions for handfast

handfast
/ (ˈhændˌfɑːst) archaic /

noun

an agreement, esp of marriage, confirmed by a handshake
a firm grip

verb (tr)

to betroth or marry (two persons or another person) by joining the hands
to grip with the hand