fasse, fas

[A. S. feax; Icel. fax.] Hair. *fas-sit, a. [Fa , s.] Knotted. făs-site, s. [FASSAITE.] *fas-son, *fasoun, s. [FASHION, 8. ] *fast, s . [FACET.] IMG:content-1456.png:[blocks in formation] 1. Fixed firmly; fastened or attached closely; firm, close. "The wyf fonde the dore faste."- Seven Sages, 1,355. 2. Strong against attack. "Wel he makede his castles treo we and swidhe ræste." Layamon, ii. 71. 3. Close, deep, sound; as sleep. "I have seen her rise from her bed, take paper, fold it, seal it, and again return to her bed; yet all this while in a most fast sleep." --Shakesp.: Macbeth , v. 1. 4. Steadfast, faithfully, firm in adherence. "Wilt thou be fast to my hopes?"- Shakesp .: Othello , i. 3. 5. Lasting, durable; as, a fast color. *6. Tenacious; retentive. (Followed by of .) koses, damask and red, are fast flowers of their smells." -Bacon: E ays; Of Gardens. 7. Swift, rapid; moving rapidly; quick in motion. "Springs out into fast gait." Shakesp.: Henry VIII., iii. 2. This is merely a peculiar use of the original meaning of firm , fixed . What is close easily pa es into what is urgent or pre ing . The transition is seen in end phrases; as, He came fast behind, The enemy pre ed fast on him, . IMG:content-1457.png:[blocks in formation] IMG:content-1458.png:[blocks in formation] 4. Closely, steadfastly, firmly. "Thou art so fast mine enemy." Shakesp.: Henry VI ., Pt. II., ν. 2. *5. Unchangeably, immovably, unalterably. "Are you fast married?"-Shakesp.: Othello, i. 2. 6. Close, near. (Of distance.) " Faste besyde is another yle." -Maundeville , p. 187. *7. Close, near. (Of number or quantity.) "There were environed, intercepted, and killed fast upon a you sand."-P. Holland: Livius , p. 735. 8. Quickly, rapidly, swiftly; with rapid motion. "To renne faster than all other."- Golden Boke , xxx. 9. Readily, willingly, without hesitation. "Which they'll do fast enough of themselves." Shakesp.: Merry Wives of Windsor, iv. 1. 10. In a di ipated, reckle , or profligate manner; as, to live fast . C. As substantive: 1. Naut .: A mooring-rope or hawser, securing a ve el, and named from its position; as, the head, bow, breast, quarter, or stern fasts , as the case may be. 2. Mining : A shelf. (1) Fast and loose (in the phrase To play fast and loose): To act in an inconsistent or inconstant manner; to act without regard to one's promises or engagements. "And shall these hands, so lately purged of blood,... Play fast and loose with faith?" Shakesp.: King John, iii. 1. (2) Fast and loose pulleys : Mach.: A device for disengaging and reëngaging machinery. One pulley is fast to the shaft, the other runs loosely thereupon. The band is turned on to either, as the work requires. (3) To live fast : To lead a di ipated, abandoned life. (4) To make fast: 1787