Bosworth Toller's

Anglo-Saxon

Dictionary online

hand-fæstung

  • noun [ feminine ]
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Grammar
hand-fæstung, -fæstnung, e; f.
A giving of the hand by way of pledge or assurance
Show examples
  • Handfestnung

    mandatum,

      Ælfc. Gl. 13; Som. 57, 110; Wrt. Voc. 20, 48.
Etymology
[Scot. hand-fasting, -fastnyng marriage with the encumbrance of some canonical impediment, not yet bought off: Icel. hand-festa. -festning, -festr striking a bargain, the joining hands. 'In the early Dan. and Swed. laws the stipulation to be given by the king at his coronation was called haand-fæstning.' Cf. O. H. Ger. hant-feste emunitas, cautio, testamentum, privilegium.]
Full form

Word-wheel

  • hand-fæstung, n.