Handfast

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Hold; grasp; custody; power of confining or keeping. [Obs.] Shak.

2. Contract; specifically, espousal. [Obs.]

Part of speech: noun (n.)

Strong; steadfast.[R.] Carlyle.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To pledge; to bind; to betroth by joining hands, in order to cohabitation, before the celebration of marriage. [Obs.]

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands. [Obs.] Bale.