\Hand"fast`\, n.
1. Hold; grasp; custody; power of confining or keeping.
   [Obs.] --Shak.
2. Contract; specifically, espousal. [Obs.]

\Hand"fast`\, a.
Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands. [Obs.] --Bale.

\Hand"fast`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Handfasted}; p. pr.
& vb. n. {Handfasting}.]
To pledge; to bind; to betroth by joining hands, in order to
cohabitation, before the celebration of marriage. [Obs.]

\Hand"fast`\, n. [G. handfest; hand hand + fest strong.
See {Fast}.]
Strong; steadfast.[R.] --Carlyle.