2 entries under this word

Fasten

Făst'en, v. t.

verbtransitive

(făs'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. FASTENED; p. pr. & vb. n. FASTENING.] [A-S. fästian, fäs-tenian, Sw. fastna, O. H. Ger. fastinôn, festinôn, M. H. Ger. & D. vesten, for vestenen, N. H. Ger. festen, Dan. faste. See FAST, a.]

  1. To fix firmly; to make fast; to secure, as by lock, bolt, or the like; as, to fasten a chain to the feet; to fasten a door or window.
  2. To hold together; to attach or unite firmly; to cause to cleave, or to cleave together, by any means; as, to fasten with nails or cords; to fasten any thing in our thoughts.

The words Whig and Tory have been pressed to the service of many successions of parties, with different ideas fastened to them. Swift. 3. To cause to take close effect; to make telling; to lay on; as, to fasten a blow. Dryden. Syn.—To fix; cement; stick; link; attach; affix; annex.

Făst'en, v. i.

verbintransitive

(făs'n), v. i. To fix one's self; to take firm hold; to clinch. The leech will hardly fasten on a fish. Browne.