Hand-fæstung

According to the Old English Dictionary:

-fæstnung, e;

hand-fæstung

f. A giving of the hand by way of pledge or assurance :-- Handfestnung mandatum, Ælfc. Gl. 13; Som. 57, 110; Wrt. Voc. 20, 48. [Scot. hand-fasting, -fastnyng marriage with the encumbrance of some canonical impediment, not yet bought off: Icel. hand-festa. -festning, -festr striking a bargain, the joining hands. 'In the early Dan. and Swed. laws the stipulation to be given by the king at his coronation was called haand-fæstning.' Cf. O. H. Ger. hant-feste emunitas, cautio, testamentum, privilegium.] hand-fæstung