1. to join hands; to clasp hands together, especially as a pledge or agreement
Usage: archaic; historical
2. to betroth or engage to marry, especially in a temporary or trial union
Usage: archaic; historical

1. a joining of hands; a handshake or grip
Usage: archaic
2. a temporary or trial marriage, especially one that could be dissolved by mutual consent
Usage: archaic; historical; Scottish

Examples

• The two families handfasts their children in a binding ceremony.
• They handfasts as a sign of their mutual agreement and trust.
• A handfast was a common practice in medieval Scotland for trial marriages.
• The lovers exchanged a handfast to seal their promise to each other.
• In old traditions, a handfast could last for a year and a day before becoming permanent.
• He offered his handfast to show his sincerity and good faith.