handfast
/ˈhændfæst/
verb
- To join two people in a temporary or trial marriage, often by tying their hands together in a ceremony.
- The priest agreed to handfast the couple during the summer solstice festival.
- In medieval Scotland, couples could handfast for a year and a day.
- They decided to handfast before making a permanent commitment.
- To betroth or formally promise to marry.
- The ritual allowed them to handfast without a legal marriage license.
- He traveled to her village to handfast her according to ancient custom.
- The families gathered to handfast their children in a traditional ceremony.
noun
- A temporary or trial marriage agreement, often lasting a year and a day.
- After the handfast ended, they chose to make their union permanent.
- The handfast was celebrated with music and feasting.
- Many couples today renew their vows with a symbolic handfast.
- A formal betrothal or engagement.
- The handfast was sealed with a clasp of hands and a kiss.
- In some cultures, a handfast is as binding as a wedding.
- The young couple entered a handfast with the blessing of their families.