handfast

(noun, adjective, verb)

adjective

1. (obsolete) Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.

2. (rare) Strong; steadfast.

noun

1. (obsolete) A hold, grasp; custody, power of confining or keeping.

2. (obsolete) A contract, agreement, covenant; specifically betrothal, espousal.

verb

1. (transitive) To pledge; to bind

2. (transitive, Wicca) To betroth by joining hands, in order to allow cohabitation before the celebration of marriage; to marry provisionally.