n. [ AS. fæstnes, fr. fæst fast. See Fast, a. ] 1. The state of being fast and firm; firmness; fixedness; security; faithfulness. [ 1913 Webster ]
All . . . places of fastness [ are ] laid open. Sir J. Davies. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]