Fastness
/ˈfæst.nəs/noun
The quality of being fixed, secure, or firmly held; also a stronghold or fortified place.
Did you know?Fastness is built from the same ancient root as fast, but in older English it could mean not just speedlessness — it could mean firmness, security, and even a fortified refuge.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*peig-
“to fasten, fix, or make firm”
Old English
OE
fæst
“firm, fixed, secure, steadfast”
Old English
OE
fæstnes
“firmness, security, stability”
Middle English
ME
fastnesse
“firmness; a fortified place or stronghold”
Modern English
English
fastness
“the quality of being secure or fixed; a remote stronghold or retreat”