fast

{{11}}fast (adj.) O.E. fæst "firmly fixed, steadfast, secure, enclosed," probably from P.Gmc. *fastuz (Cf. O.Fris. fest, O.N. fastr, Du. vast, Ger. fest), from PIE root *past- "firm" (Cf. Skt. pastyam "dwelling place"). The adverb meaning "quickly, swiftly" was perhaps in O.E., or from O.N. fast, either way developing from the sense of "firmly, strongly, vigorously" (Cf. to run hard means to run fast; also compare fast asleep), or perhaps from the notion of a runner who "sticks" close to whatever he is chasing. The sense of "living an unrestrained life" (usually of women) is from 1746 (fast living is from 1745). Fast buck recorded from 1947; fast food is first attested 1951. Fast-forward first recorded 1948. Fast lane is by 1966; the fast track originally was in horse-racing (1934); figurative sense by 1960s. To fast talk someone (v.) is recorded by 1946.

{{12}}fast (v.) O.E. fæstan "to fast" (as a religious duty), from P.Gmc. *fastejan (Cf. O.Fris. festia, O.H.G. fasten, Ger. fasten, O.N. fasta), from the same root as FAST (Cf. fast) (adj.). The original meaning was "hold firmly," and the sense evolution is via "firm control of oneself," to "holding to observance" (Cf. Goth. fastan "to keep, observe," also "to fast"). Presumably the whole group is a Germanic translation of M.L. observare "to fast." Related: Fasted; fasting. The noun is O.E. fæstan, festen, or O.N. fasta.