FASTNESS

fastness. Fastness, n. a firmness, security, strong place, hold

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Fast″ness, n. [[AS. fæstnes, fr. fæst fast. See Fast, a.]] 1. 1. The state of being fast and firm; firmness; fixedness; security; faithfulness.
All . . . places of fastness laid open. Sir J. Davies. 2. 2. A fast place; a stronghold; a fortress or fort; a secure retreat; a castle; as, the enemy retired to their fastnesses in the mountains.
3. 3. Conciseness of style. Ascham.
4. 4. The state of being fast or swift.