fæstan

From Proto-Germanic *fastijaną (“to fasten”), *fastāną (“to fast”), derived from *fastuz (“fast, fixed, firm”). The religious sense ("to abstain from food") is recorded in late Old English only (Wessex Gospels).

• IPA^(key): /ˈfæs.tɑn/

fæstan

1. to fasten, make fast or firm, entrust, commit, commend
2. to fast (abstain from food)
   • 11th century, Wessex Gospels, Mark 2:19

     ne mágon hí fæstan

     they cannot fast

• befæstan

• English: fast