from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fasten \Fas"ten\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fastened}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Fastening}.] [AS. f[ae]stnian; akin to OHG. festin[=o]n.
See {Fast}, a.]
1. To fix firmly; to make fast; to secure, as by a knot,
lock, bolt, etc.; as, to fasten a chain to the feet; to
fasten a door or window.
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2. To cause to hold together or to something else; to attach
or unite firmly; to cause to cleave to something, or to
cleave together, by any means; as, to fasten boards
together with nails or cords; to fasten anything in our
thoughts.
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The words Whig and Tory have been pressed to the
service of many successions of parties, with very
different ideas fastened to them. --Swift.
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3. To cause to take close effect; to make to tell; to lay on;
as, to fasten a blow. [Obs.] --Dryden.
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If I can fasten but one cup upon him. --Shak.
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{To fasten a charge upon} or {To fasten a crime upon}, to
make his guilt certain, or so probable as to be generally
believed.
{To fasten one's eyes upon}, to look upon steadily without
cessation. --Acts iii. 4.
Syn: To fix; cement; stick; link; affix; annex.
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