fastness

fastness
    n 1: a rate (usually rapid) at which something happens; "the
         project advanced with gratifying speed" [syn: {speed},
         {swiftness}, {fastness}]
    2: the quality of being fixed in place as by some firm
       attachment [syn: {fastness}, {fixedness}, {fixity},
       {fixture}, {secureness}] [ant: {looseness}]
    3: a strongly fortified defensive structure [syn: {stronghold},
       {fastness}]
    

Fastness \Fast"ness\, n. [AS. f[ae]stnes, fr. f[ae]st fast. See
   {Fast}, a.]
   1. The state of being fast and firm; firmness; fixedness;
      security; faithfulness.
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            All . . . places of fastness [are] laid open. --Sir
                                                  J. Davies.
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   2. A fast place; a stronghold; a fortress or fort; a secure
      retreat; a castle; as, the enemy retired to their
      fastnesses in the mountains.
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   3. Conciseness of style. [Obs.] --Ascham.
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   4. The state of being fast or swift.
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