English

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Etymology

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From word +‎ fast.

Adjective

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wordfast

  1. (dated, obsolete, literary, poetic, rare) True to one's word, keeping one's word.
    • 1862, James Gurnhill, The Breeches Bible, Considered as the Basis for Remarks, Critical and Philological, on the English Language, page 31:
      Shamefast is one of a group and family of words, in all which fast constitutes the second syllable, thus steadfast (A.S. Staðolfæst), wordfast; and those good old words rootfast and rootfastness, which we have now let go."
    • 1874, Reid Tranmar, Legends of York and Other Poems, page 6:
      "Aye, Lord of Deira, I hie back at dawning; Wikhelm is wordfast, Despite of her scorning
    • 1894, Albany Featherstonehaugh Major, Sagas and Songs of the Norsemen, page 26:
      Thereto said Biorn: " Yea, I know thee now, Allfather! But a wordfast man am I, And pledged to serve the White Christ by my vow.