[stead.fast] adj [ME stedefast, fr. OE stedefaest, fr. stede + faest fixed, fast] (bef. 12c) 1 a: firmly fixed in place: immovable b: not subject to change "the ~ doctrine of original sin --Ellen Glasgow"
2: firm in belief, determination, or adherence: loyal syn see faithful -- stead.fast.ly adv -- stead.fast.ness n