holdfast adjective & noun. ['hǝʊl(d)fɑ:st] M16.
[from HOLD verb + FAST adverb.]
A. adjective. That holds fast (lit. & fig.); persistent. M16.
b. noun.
1. A thing affording a secure hold or support. M16.

2. The action or fact of holding fast; firm or secure grasp. M16.

3. A thing that holds something fast; a staple, bolt, clamp, etc., securing an object to a wall. L16.
b. A rootlike or disc-shaped organ of attachment in some algae (esp. seaweeds) and fungi. M19.

4. a. A stingy person, a miser. L16-E18.
b. (A name for) a dog that holds tenaciously. Now chiefly in proverb Brag is a good dog, but Holdfast is better. L16.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲