HOLDFAST

holdfast. Holdfast, n. an iron hook, catch cramp, nail

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Hold″fast′ (?), n. 1. 1. Something used to secure and hold in place something else, as a long flat-headed nail, a catch a hook, a clinch, a clamp, etc.; hence, a support. “His holdfast was gone.” Bp. Montagu.
2. 2. (Bot.) A conical or branching body, by which a seaweed is attached to its support, and differing from a root in that it is not specially absorbent of moisture.