\Fas"ten\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fastened}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Fastening}.] [AS. f[ae]stnian; akin to OHG. festin[=o]n.
See {Fast}, a.]
1. To fix firmly; to make fast; to secure, as by a knot,
   lock, bolt, etc.; as, to fasten a chain to the feet; to
   fasten a door or window.
2. To cause to hold together or to something else; to attach
   or unite firmly; to cause to cleave to something, or to
   cleave together, by any means; as, to fasten boards
   together with nails or cords; to fasten anything in our
   thoughts.
         The words Whig and Tory have been pressed to the
         service of many successions of parties, with very
         different ideas fastened to them.     --Swift.
3. To cause to take close effect; to make to tell; to lay on;
   as, to fasten a blow. [Obs.] --Dryden.
         If I can fasten but one cup upon him. --Shak.
{To fasten} {a charge, or a crime}, {upon}, to make his guilt
   certain, or so probable as to be generally believed.
{To fasten one's eyes upon}, to look upon steadily without
   cessation. --Acts iii. 4.
Syn: To fix; cement; stick; link; affix; annex.

\Fas"ten\, v. i.
To fix one's self; to take firm hold; to clinch; to cling.
      A horse leech will hardly fasten on a fish. --Sir T.
                                               Browne.