Fast by contract; betrothed by joining hands.

To pledge; to bind.

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.

Strong; steadfast.

A contract; specifically, an espousal.

Hold; grasp

Custody; power of confining or keeping.