hand·fast /ˈhæn(d)ˌfæst/
  婚約
  hand·fast n.
  1. Hold; grasp [Obs.]
  2. Custody; power of confining or keeping. [Obs.]
  3. A contract; specifically, an espousal. [Obs.]
  hand·fast, a. Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands. [Obs.]
  hand·fast, v. t. [imp. & p. p. handfasted; p. pr. & vb. n. handfasting.]
  1. To pledge; to bind. [Obs.]
  2. To betroth by joining hands, in order to permit cohabitation, before the formal celebration of marriage; in some parts of Scotland it was in effect to marry provisionally, permitting cohabitation for a year, after which the marriage could be formalized or dissolved. [Obs.]
  hand·fast, a.  Strong; steadfast.[R.]
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