Fastness
Pronunciation : Fast"ness
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [AS. f?stnes, fr. f?st fast. See Fast, a.]
Definition : 1. The state of being fast and firm; firmness; fixedness; security; faithfulness. All . . . places of fastness [are] laid open. Sir J. Davies.
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. Conciseness of style. [Obs.] Ascham.
4. The state of being fast or swift.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913