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handfast (HAND-fast) - v., to make an agreement or contract by grasping hands; esp., to betroth or marry. n., a contract or agreement so made. adj., betrothed by holding hands.
Goes back to Old English as handfæst, where it was specifically a betrothal (which was a more binding contract than contemporary engagements) -- but any time you shake hands on something, you are handfasting. The hand part is obvious, while the fast is from the same sense as to fasten.
---L.
Goes back to Old English as handfæst, where it was specifically a betrothal (which was a more binding contract than contemporary engagements) -- but any time you shake hands on something, you are handfasting. The hand part is obvious, while the fast is from the same sense as to fasten.
---L.
