The state of being fast and firm; firmness; fixedness; security; faithfulness. All . . . places of fastness [are] laid open. Sir J. Davies.
A fast place; a stronghold; a fortress or fort; a secure retreat; a castle; as, the enemy retired to their fastnesses in the mountains.
Conciseness of style. [Obs.] Ascham.
The state of being fast or swift.
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