I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English handfesten, handfasten, from Old Norse handfesta, from hand-, hönd hand + festa to fasten, from fastr fast — more at hand , fast
archaic : to bind in contract by joining hands ; especially : betroth
II. noun
archaic : a contract or covenant especially of betrothal or marriage
III. adjective
Etymology: hand (I) + fast
archaic : having a firm or close grasp : closefisted