jan 1, 1576 - holdfast

Description:

An iron hook or staple used to secure or support part of a structure. References date from 1576 and it is likely that the shape and function differed, depending on when and where the word occurred. Some were ‘U’ shaped but in at least one case the item resembled an ‘S’ and was attached to a wall (OED). There are references to its use in a Beeston coal-mine: 1755 <i>two hold fasts 6d; hold fasts for the pipes 4s 4d</i> (DB129/4).

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