Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FAS-TEN, v.t. [fàsn; Sax. fæstnian; Sw. fastna; D. vesten; Dan. fæster; Ir. fostugadh, fostughim.]

1. To fix firmly; to make fast or close; as, to fasten a chain to the feet, or to fasten the feet with fetters.
2. To lock, bolt or bar; to secure; as, to fasten a door or window.
3. To hold together; to cement or to link; to unite closely in any manner and by any means, as by cement, hooks, pins, nails, cords, &c.
4. To affix or conjoin. The words Whig and Tory have been pressed to the service of many successions of parties, with different ideas fastened to them. [Not common.] Swift.
5. To fix; to impress. Thinking, by this face, / To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage. Shak.
6. To lay on with strength. Could he fasten a blow, or make a thrust, when not suffered to approach? Dryden.