A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Handfastin(g, vbl. n. Also: hantfastene. [e.m.E. handfastynge (1530).] a. Betrothal. b. The joining of hands in engaging an employee.a. 1482–3 Acta Conc. II. p. cxxviii.
George Clapane … producit a contract of mariage to be made and a instrument of hantfastene of hir and his soun 1556 Carte Northberwic 72.
[The vicar of Aberdour] minestrat … the office anent the hand-fasting … in thir vordis following, [etc.] 1568 Aberd. Eccl. Rec. 14.
That nether the minister nor reader be present at contractis off mariage-making, as thai call thair handfastinis [MS. handfastingis], nor mak na sic band 1576 Edinb. Test. IV. 208.
Howsone as scho beis cled with ane husband in handfasting or mariage 1602 Colville Parænese 69.
Thai vill haue … no handfasting, bot contractingb. 1699 Dundee B. Laws 353.
By reason of our long continued custome of handfasting with those that ar joyne with us in our beak-houses so early and long befor they enter them to ther work and services
