† ˈhandˌfasteningObs. = handfasting. [c1000ælfric Voc. in Wr.-Wülcker 115/7 Mandatum, handfæstnung.]c1545Coverdale Ord.Ch. DenmarkWks. (Parker Soc.) I. 480 Even at their hand-fastening, (when the knot of holy wedlock is fast knit) there are present the father and mother of the parties.