Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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

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

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

Handfast \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.]

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