v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Fastened p. pr. & vb. n. Fastening ] [ AS. fæstnian; akin to OHG. festinōn. 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] The words Whig and Tory have been pressed to the service of many successions of parties, with very different ideas fastened to them. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To cause to take close effect; to make to tell; to lay on; as, to fasten a blow. [ Obs. ] Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] If I can fasten but one cup upon him. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] |