hold fast Copy link Outline 1. rĕtĭneo, 22. amplexor, 1 (to cling to3. mordeo, mŏmordi, morsum, 2 (to clasp tight • hold fast: 1. rĕtĭneo, 2: to h. a vessel fast with a grappling-iron, navem injecta manu ferrea r., Caes. B. C. 1, 58. Esp. fig.: to h. fast truth and honour, et veritatem et fidem r., Cic. Am. 24, init.: v. to retain. 2. amplexor, 1 (to cling to: fig.): to h. the faster to one's decision, judicium suum am. ac tueri, Br. in Cic. Br. 1, 11, extr. 3. mordeo, mŏmordi, morsum, 2 (to clasp tight: poet.): a clasp held fast her dress, mordebat fibula vestem, Ov. M. 8, 318: Virg. See also to maintain.