handfast

Etymology 1
From, past participle of , from , itself from + , perhaps from a  root.

Noun

 * 1)  A hold, grasp; custody, power of confining or keeping.
 * 2)  A contract, agreement, covenant; specifically betrothal, espousal.
 * 1)  A contract, agreement, covenant; specifically betrothal, espousal.

Translations

 * Danish: håndfæstning (XIII-XVII centuries: contract between King and Nobility)
 * Dutch:
 * French:
 * German: Handfest
 * Spanish: atado de las manos

Verb

 * 1)  To pledge; to bind.
 * 2)  To betroth by joining hands, in order to allow for cohabitation before the celebration of marriage; to marry provisionally.

Adjective

 * 1)  Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.

Etymology 2
, itself from +.

Adjective

 * 1)  Strong; steadfast.

Translations

 * Norwegian: håndfast
 * Swedish: