HANDFASTING
Verb
handfasting
present participle of handfast
Noun
handfasting (plural handfastings)
The ceremony in which people handfast.
Source: Wiktionary
HANDFAST
Hand"fast`, n.
1. Hold; grasp; custody; power of confining or keeping. [Obs.] Shak.
2. Contract; specifically, espousal. [Obs.]
Hand"fast`, a.
Definition: Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands. [Obs.] Bale.
Hand"fast`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Handfasted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Handfasting.]
Definition: To pledge; to bind; to betroth by joining hands, in order to
cohabitation, before the celebration of marriage. [Obs.]
Hand"fast`, n. Etym: [G. handfest; hand hand + fest strong. See
Fast.]
Definition: Strong; steadfast.[R.] Carlyle.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition