fast
         adv 1: quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form); "how
                  fast can he get here?"; "ran as fast as he could"; "needs
                  medical help fast"; "fast-running rivers"; "fast-breaking
                  news"; "fast-opening (or fast-closing) shutters"
         2: firmly or closely; "held fast to the rope"; "her foot was
            stuck fast"; "held tight" [syn: {fast}, {tight}]
         adj 1: acting or moving or capable of acting or moving quickly;
                  "fast film"; "on the fast track in school"; "set a fast
                  pace"; "a fast car" [ant: {slow}]
         2: (used of timepieces) indicating a time ahead of or later than
            the correct time; "my watch is fast" [ant: {slow}]
         3: at a rapid tempo; "the band played a fast fox trot" [ant:
            {slow}]
         4: (of surfaces) conducive to rapid speeds; "a fast road";
            "grass courts are faster than clay"
         5: resistant to destruction or fading; "fast colors"
         6: unrestrained by convention or morality; "Congreve draws a
            debauched aristocratic society"; "deplorably dissipated and
            degraded"; "riotous living"; "fast women" [syn: {debauched},
            {degenerate}, {degraded}, {dissipated}, {dissolute},
            {libertine}, {profligate}, {riotous}, {fast}]
         7: hurried and brief; "paid a flying visit"; "took a flying
            glance at the book"; "a quick inspection"; "a fast visit"
            [syn: {flying}, {quick}, {fast}]
         8: securely fixed in place; "the post was still firm after being
            hit by the car" [syn: {fast}, {firm}, {immobile}]
         9: unwavering in devotion to friend or vow or cause; "a firm
            ally"; "loyal supporters"; "the true-hearted soldier...of
            Tippecanoe"- Campaign song for William Henry Harrison; "fast
            friends" [syn: {firm}, {loyal}, {truehearted}, {fast(a)}]
         10: (of a photographic lens or emulsion) causing a shortening of
               exposure time; "a fast lens"
         n 1: abstaining from food [syn: {fast}, {fasting}]
         v 1: abstain from certain foods, as for religious or medical
               reasons; "Catholics sometimes fast during Lent"
         2: abstain from eating; "Before the medical exam, you must fast"

English Dictionary: fast	by the DICT Development Group
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast asleep adj sleeping deeply; "lying fast asleep on the sofa"; "it would be cruel to wake him; he's sound asleep" Synonym(s): fast asleep(p), sound asleep(p)
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast break n (basketball) a rapid dash to get a shot as soon as possible after taking possession of the ball
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast buck n quick or easy earnings, "they are traders out to make a fast buck" Synonym(s): fast buck, quick buck
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast day n a day designated for fasting
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast dye v dye with fast colors; "These shirts should be fast-dyed"
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast food n inexpensive food (hamburgers or chicken or milkshakes) prepared and served quickly
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast lane n a hectic and pressured lifestyle often characterized by recklessness or dissipation; "life in fashion's fast lane has taught her a lot" the traffic lane for vehicles that are moving rapidly Antonym(s): slow lane
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
Fast of Ab n (Judaism) a major fast day on the Jewish calendar commemorating the destruction of the temples in Jerusalem Synonym(s): Tishah b'Av, Tishah b'Ab, Tisha b'Av, Tisha b'Ab, Ninth of Av, Ninth of Ab, Fast of Av, Fast of Ab
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
Fast of Av n (Judaism) a major fast day on the Jewish calendar commemorating the destruction of the temples in Jerusalem Synonym(s): Tishah b'Av, Tishah b'Ab, Tisha b'Av, Tisha b'Ab, Ninth of Av, Ninth of Ab, Fast of Av, Fast of Ab
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
Fast of Esther n (Judaism) a minor fast day on Adar 13 commemorates three days that Esther fasted before approaching the Persian king on behalf of the Jewish people; the fast is connected with Purim
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
Fast of Gedaliah n (Judaism) a minor fast day on Tishri 3 that commemorates the killing of the Jewish governor of Judah
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
Fast of Tammuz n (Judaism) a minor fast day on Tammuz 17 when the walls of Jerusalem were breached
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
Fast of Tevet n (Judaism) a minor fast day on Tevet 10 commemorates the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem and has also been proclaimed a memorial day for the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
Fast of the Firstborn n (Judaism) a minor fast day on Nissan 14 that is observed only by firstborn males; it is observed on the day before Passover
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast one n a cunning or deceitful action or device; "he played a trick on me"; "he pulled a fast one and got away with it" Synonym(s): trick, fast one
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast reactor n nuclear reactor in which nuclear fissions are caused by fast neutrons because little or no moderator is used Antonym(s): thermal reactor
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast time scale n (simulation) the time scale used in data processing when the time-scale factor is less than one
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast track n a rapid means of achieving a goal; "they saw independence as the fast track to democracy"; "he took a fast track to the top of the corporate ladder"; "the company went off the fast track when the stock market dropped"
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast-breaking adj occurring rapidly as a series of events in rapid succession; "the broadcast was interrupted by a fast- breaking news story about the invasion"
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast-flying adj moving swiftly; "fast-flying planes"; "played the difficult passage with flying fingers" Synonym(s): fast- flying, flying
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast-footed adj having rapidly moving feet [syn: swift-footed, {fast- footed}]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast-growing adj tending to spread quickly; "an aggressive tumor" [syn: aggressive, fast-growing(a), strong-growing]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fast-paced adj of communication that proceeds rapidly; "a fast-paced talker"; "fast-paced fiction"
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fastball n (baseball) a pitch thrown with maximum velocity; "he swung late on the fastball"; "he showed batters nothing but smoke" Synonym(s): fastball, heater, smoke, hummer, bullet
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fasten v cause to be firmly attached; "fasten the lock onto the door"; "she fixed her gaze on the man" Synonym(s): fasten, fix, secure Antonym(s): unfasten become fixed or fastened; "This dress fastens in the back" Antonym(s): unfasten attach to; "They fastened various nicknames to each other" make tight or tighter; "Tighten the wire" Synonym(s): tighten, fasten
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fasten on v adopt; "take up new ideas" [syn: take up, latch on, fasten on, hook on, seize on]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fastened adj firmly closed or secured; "found the gate fastened"; "a fastened seatbelt" Antonym(s): unfastened furnished or closed with buttons or something buttonlike Synonym(s): buttoned, fastened Antonym(s): unbuttoned, unfastened fastened with strings or cords; "a neatly tied bundle" Synonym(s): tied, fastened Antonym(s): unfastened, untied
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fastener n a person who fastens or makes fast; "he found the door fastened and wondered who the fastener was" restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place Synonym(s): fastener, fastening, holdfast, fixing
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fastening n restraint that attaches to something or holds something in place Synonym(s): fastener, fastening, holdfast, fixing the act of fastening things together Synonym(s): fastening, attachment
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
faster adv more quickly Synonym(s): quicker, faster
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fastest adv most quickly Synonym(s): quickest, fastest
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fastidious adj giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned with cleanliness; "a fastidious and incisive intellect"; "fastidious about personal cleanliness" Antonym(s): unfastidious having complicated nutritional requirements; especially growing only in special artificial cultures; "fastidious microorganisms"; "certain highly specialized xerophytes are extremely exacting in their requirements" Synonym(s): fastidious, exacting Antonym(s): unfastidious
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fastidiously adv in a fastidious and painstaking manner; "it is almost a waste of time painstakingly to learn the routines of selling" Synonym(s): painstakingly, fastidiously in a fastidious manner; "he writes extremely musical music, of which the sound is fastidiously calculated and yet agreeably spontaneous and imaginative"
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fastidiousness n the trait of being meticulous about matters of taste or style; "neatness and fastidiousness of dress"
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fastigiate adj having clusters of erect branches (often appearing to form a single column)
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fasting n abstaining from food Synonym(s): fast, fasting
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fastnacht n doughnut traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
fastness n a rate (usually rapid) at which something happens; "the project advanced with gratifying speed" Synonym(s): speed, swiftness, fastness the quality of being fixed in place as by some firm attachment Synonym(s): fastness, fixedness, fixity, fixture, secureness Antonym(s): looseness a strongly fortified defensive structure Synonym(s): stronghold, fastness
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, a.       In such a condition, as to resilience, etc., as to make       possible unusual rapidity of play or action; as, a fast       racket, or tennis court; a fast track; a fast billiard table,       etc.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, a. [Compar. {Faster}; superl. {Fastest}.] [OE.,       firm, strong, not loose, AS. f[?]st; akin to OS. fast, D.       vast, OHG. fasti, festi, G. fest, Icel. fastr, Sw. & Dan.       fast, and perh. to E. fetter. The sense swift comes from the       idea of keeping close to what is pursued; a Scandinavian use.       Cf. {Fast}, adv., {Fast}, v., {Avast}.]       1. Firmly fixed; closely adhering; made firm; not loose,             unstable, or easily moved; immovable; as, to make fast the             door.                         There is an order that keeps things fast. --Burke.          2. Firm against attack; fortified by nature or art;             impregnable; strong.                         Outlaws . . . lurking in woods and fast places.                                                                               --Spenser.          3. Firm in adherence; steadfast; not easily separated or             alienated; faithful; as, a fast friend.          4. Permanent; not liable to fade by exposure to air or by             washing; durable; lasting; as, fast colors.          5. Tenacious; retentive. [Obs.]                         Roses, damask and red, are fast flowers of their                      smells.                                             --Bacon.          6. Not easily disturbed or broken; deep; sound.                         All this while in a most fast sleep.   --Shak.          7. Moving rapidly; quick in mition; rapid; swift; as, a fast             horse.          8. Given to pleasure seeking; disregardful of restraint;             reckless; wild; dissipated; dissolute; as, a fast man; a             fast liver. --Thackeray.          {Fast and loose}, now cohering, now disjoined; inconstant,             esp. in the phrases to play at fast and loose, to play             fast and loose, to act with giddy or reckless inconstancy             or in a tricky manner; to say one thing and do another.             [bd]Play fast and loose with faith.[b8] --Shak.          {Fast and loose pulleys} (Mach.), two pulleys placed side by             side on a revolving shaft, which is driven from another             shaft by a band, and arranged to disengage and re[89]ngage             the machinery driven thereby. When the machinery is to be             stopped, the band is transferred from the pulley fixed to             the shaft to the pulley which revolves freely upon it, and             vice versa.          {Hard and fast} (Naut.), so completely aground as to be             immovable.          {To make fast} (Naut.), to make secure; to fasten firmly, as             a vessel, a rope, or a door.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Fasted}; p. pr. & vb. n.       {Fasting}.] [AS. f[ae]stan; akin to D. vasten, OHG.       fast[emac]n, G. fasten, Icel. & Sw. fasta, Dan. faste, Goth.       fastan to keep, observe, fast, and prob. to E. fast firm.]       1. To abstain from food; to omit to take nourishment in whole             or in part; to go hungry.                         Fasting he went to sleep, and fasting waked.                                                                               --Milton.          2. To practice abstinence as a religious exercise or duty; to             abstain from food voluntarily for a time, for the             mortification of the body or appetites, or as a token of             grief, or humiliation and penitence.                         Thou didst fast and weep for the child. --2 Sam.                                                                               xii. 21.          {Fasting day}, a fast day; a day of fasting.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, n. [OE. faste, fast; cf. AS. f[91]sten, OHG. fasta,       G. faste. See {Fast}, v. i.]       1. Abstinence from food; omission to take nourishment.                         Surfeit is the father of much fast.   --Shak.          2. Voluntary abstinence from food, for a space of time, as a             spiritual discipline, or as a token of religious             humiliation.          3. A time of fasting, whether a day, week, or longer time; a             period of abstinence from food or certain kinds of food;             as, an annual fast.          {Fast day}, a day appointed for fasting, humiliation, and             religious offices as a means of invoking the favor of God.                      {To break one's fast}, to put an end to a period of             abstinence by taking food; especially, to take one's             morning meal; to breakfast. --Shak.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, adv. [OE. faste firmly, strongly, quickly, AS.       f[91]ste. See {Fast}, a.]       1. In a fast, fixed, or firmly established manner; fixedly;             firmly; immovably.                         We will bind thee fast.                     --Judg. xv.                                                                               13.          2. In a fast or rapid manner; quickly; swiftly;             extravagantly; wildly; as, to run fast; to live fast.          {Fast by}, [or] {Fast beside}, close or near to; near at             hand.                         He, after Eve seduced, unminded slunk Into the wood                      fast by.                                             --Milton.                         Fast by the throne obsequious Fame resides. --Pope.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, n.       That which fastens or holds; especially, (Naut.) a mooring       rope, hawser, or chain; -- called, according to its position,       a bow, head, quarter, breast, or stern fast; also, a post on       a pier around which hawsers are passed in mooring.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, n. [OF. fust, F. f[?]t, fr. L. fustis stick staff.]       (Arch.)       The shaft of a column, or trunk of pilaster. --Gwilt.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Loose \Loose\, a. [Compar. {Looser}; superl. {Loosest}.] [OE.       loos, lous, laus, Icel. lauss; akin to OD. loos, D. los, AS.       le[a0]s false, deceitful, G. los, loose, Dan. & Sw. l[94]s,       Goth. laus, and E. lose. [?] See {Lose}, and cf. {Leasing}       falsehood.]       1. Unbound; untied; unsewed; not attached, fastened, fixed,             or confined; as, the loose sheets of a book.                         Her hair, nor loose, nor tied in formal plat.                                                                               --Shak.          2. Free from constraint or obligation; not bound by duty,             habit, etc.; -- with from or of.                         Now I stand Loose of my vow; but who knows Cato's                      thoughts ?                                          --Addison.          3. Not tight or close; as, a loose garment.          4. Not dense, close, compact, or crowded; as, a cloth of             loose texture.                         With horse and chariots ranked in loose array.                                                                               --Milton.          5. Not precise or exact; vague; indeterminate; as, a loose             style, or way of reasoning.                         The comparison employed . . . must be considered                      rather as a loose analogy than as an exact                      scientific explanation.                     --Whewel.          6. Not strict in matters of morality; not rigid according to             some standard of right.                         The loose morality which he had learned. --Sir W.                                                                               Scott.          7. Unconnected; rambling.                         Vario spends whole mornings in running over loose                      and unconnected pages.                        --I. Watts.          8. Lax; not costive; having lax bowels. --Locke.          9. Dissolute; unchaste; as, a loose man or woman.                         Loose ladies in delight.                     --Spenser.          10. Containing or consisting of obscene or unchaste language;             as, a loose epistle. -- Dryden.          {At loose ends}, not in order; in confusion; carelessly             managed.          {Fast and loose}. See under {Fast}.          {To break loose}. See under {Break}.          {Loose pulley}. (Mach.) See {Fast and loose pulleys}, under             {Fast}.          {To let loose}, to free from restraint or confinement; to set             at liberty.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, a. [Compar. {Faster}; superl. {Fastest}.] [OE.,       firm, strong, not loose, AS. f[?]st; akin to OS. fast, D.       vast, OHG. fasti, festi, G. fest, Icel. fastr, Sw. & Dan.       fast, and perh. to E. fetter. The sense swift comes from the       idea of keeping close to what is pursued; a Scandinavian use.       Cf. {Fast}, adv., {Fast}, v., {Avast}.]       1. Firmly fixed; closely adhering; made firm; not loose,             unstable, or easily moved; immovable; as, to make fast the             door.                         There is an order that keeps things fast. --Burke.          2. Firm against attack; fortified by nature or art;             impregnable; strong.                         Outlaws . . . lurking in woods and fast places.                                                                               --Spenser.          3. Firm in adherence; steadfast; not easily separated or             alienated; faithful; as, a fast friend.          4. Permanent; not liable to fade by exposure to air or by             washing; durable; lasting; as, fast colors.          5. Tenacious; retentive. [Obs.]                         Roses, damask and red, are fast flowers of their                      smells.                                             --Bacon.          6. Not easily disturbed or broken; deep; sound.                         All this while in a most fast sleep.   --Shak.          7. Moving rapidly; quick in mition; rapid; swift; as, a fast             horse.          8. Given to pleasure seeking; disregardful of restraint;             reckless; wild; dissipated; dissolute; as, a fast man; a             fast liver. --Thackeray.          {Fast and loose}, now cohering, now disjoined; inconstant,             esp. in the phrases to play at fast and loose, to play             fast and loose, to act with giddy or reckless inconstancy             or in a tricky manner; to say one thing and do another.             [bd]Play fast and loose with faith.[b8] --Shak.          {Fast and loose pulleys} (Mach.), two pulleys placed side by             side on a revolving shaft, which is driven from another             shaft by a band, and arranged to disengage and re[89]ngage             the machinery driven thereby. When the machinery is to be             stopped, the band is transferred from the pulley fixed to             the shaft to the pulley which revolves freely upon it, and             vice versa.          {Hard and fast} (Naut.), so completely aground as to be             immovable.          {To make fast} (Naut.), to make secure; to fasten firmly, as             a vessel, a rope, or a door.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, a. [Compar. {Faster}; superl. {Fastest}.] [OE.,       firm, strong, not loose, AS. f[?]st; akin to OS. fast, D.       vast, OHG. fasti, festi, G. fest, Icel. fastr, Sw. & Dan.       fast, and perh. to E. fetter. The sense swift comes from the       idea of keeping close to what is pursued; a Scandinavian use.       Cf. {Fast}, adv., {Fast}, v., {Avast}.]       1. Firmly fixed; closely adhering; made firm; not loose,             unstable, or easily moved; immovable; as, to make fast the             door.                         There is an order that keeps things fast. --Burke.          2. Firm against attack; fortified by nature or art;             impregnable; strong.                         Outlaws . . . lurking in woods and fast places.                                                                               --Spenser.          3. Firm in adherence; steadfast; not easily separated or             alienated; faithful; as, a fast friend.          4. Permanent; not liable to fade by exposure to air or by             washing; durable; lasting; as, fast colors.          5. Tenacious; retentive. [Obs.]                         Roses, damask and red, are fast flowers of their                      smells.                                             --Bacon.          6. Not easily disturbed or broken; deep; sound.                         All this while in a most fast sleep.   --Shak.          7. Moving rapidly; quick in mition; rapid; swift; as, a fast             horse.          8. Given to pleasure seeking; disregardful of restraint;             reckless; wild; dissipated; dissolute; as, a fast man; a             fast liver. --Thackeray.          {Fast and loose}, now cohering, now disjoined; inconstant,             esp. in the phrases to play at fast and loose, to play             fast and loose, to act with giddy or reckless inconstancy             or in a tricky manner; to say one thing and do another.             [bd]Play fast and loose with faith.[b8] --Shak.          {Fast and loose pulleys} (Mach.), two pulleys placed side by             side on a revolving shaft, which is driven from another             shaft by a band, and arranged to disengage and re[89]ngage             the machinery driven thereby. When the machinery is to be             stopped, the band is transferred from the pulley fixed to             the shaft to the pulley which revolves freely upon it, and             vice versa.          {Hard and fast} (Naut.), so completely aground as to be             immovable.          {To make fast} (Naut.), to make secure; to fasten firmly, as             a vessel, a rope, or a door.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, adv. [OE. faste firmly, strongly, quickly, AS.       f[91]ste. See {Fast}, a.]       1. In a fast, fixed, or firmly established manner; fixedly;             firmly; immovably.                         We will bind thee fast.                     --Judg. xv.                                                                               13.          2. In a fast or rapid manner; quickly; swiftly;             extravagantly; wildly; as, to run fast; to live fast.          {Fast by}, [or] {Fast beside}, close or near to; near at             hand.                         He, after Eve seduced, unminded slunk Into the wood                      fast by.                                             --Milton.                         Fast by the throne obsequious Fame resides. --Pope.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, adv. [OE. faste firmly, strongly, quickly, AS.       f[91]ste. See {Fast}, a.]       1. In a fast, fixed, or firmly established manner; fixedly;             firmly; immovably.                         We will bind thee fast.                     --Judg. xv.                                                                               13.          2. In a fast or rapid manner; quickly; swiftly;             extravagantly; wildly; as, to run fast; to live fast.          {Fast by}, [or] {Fast beside}, close or near to; near at             hand.                         He, after Eve seduced, unminded slunk Into the wood                      fast by.                                             --Milton.                         Fast by the throne obsequious Fame resides. --Pope.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, n. [OE. faste, fast; cf. AS. f[91]sten, OHG. fasta,       G. faste. See {Fast}, v. i.]       1. Abstinence from food; omission to take nourishment.                         Surfeit is the father of much fast.   --Shak.          2. Voluntary abstinence from food, for a space of time, as a             spiritual discipline, or as a token of religious             humiliation.          3. A time of fasting, whether a day, week, or longer time; a             period of abstinence from food or certain kinds of food;             as, an annual fast.          {Fast day}, a day appointed for fasting, humiliation, and             religious offices as a means of invoking the favor of God.                      {To break one's fast}, to put an end to a period of             abstinence by taking food; especially, to take one's             morning meal; to breakfast. --Shak.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Liver \Liv"er\, n.       1. One who, or that which, lives.                         And try if life be worth the liver's care. --Prior.          2. A resident; a dweller; as, a liver in Brooklyn.          3. One whose course of life has some marked characteristic             (expressed by an adjective); as, a free liver.          {Fast liver}, one who lives in an extravagant and dissipated             way.          {Free liver}, {Good liver}, one given to the pleasures of the             table.          {Loose liver}, a person who lives a somewhat dissolute life.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Pulley \Pul"ley\, n.; pl. {Pulleys}. [F. poulie, perhaps of       Teutonic origin (cf. {Poll}, v. t.); but cf. OE. poleine,       polive, pulley, LL. polanus, and F. poulain, properly, a       colt, fr. L. pullus young animal, foal (cf. {Pullet},       {Foal}). For the change of sense, cf. F. poutre beam,       originally, a filly, and E. easel.] (Mach.)       A wheel with a broad rim, or grooved rim, for transmitting       power from, or imparting power to, the different parts of       machinery, or for changing the direction of motion, by means       of a belt, cord, rope, or chain.          Note: The pulley, as one of the mechanical powers, consists,                in its simplest form, of a grooved wheel, called a                sheave, turning within a movable frame or block, by                means of a cord or rope attached at one end to a fixed                point. The force, acting on the free end of the rope,                is thus doubled, but can move the load through only                half the space traversed by itself. The rope may also                pass over a sheave in another block that is fixed. The                end of the rope may be fastened to the movable block,                instead of a fixed point, with an additional gain of                power, and using either one or two sheaves in the fixed                block. Other sheaves may be added, and the power                multiplied accordingly. Such an apparatus is called by                workmen a block and tackle, or a fall and tackle. See                {Block}. A single fixed pulley gives no increase of                power, but serves simply for changing the direction of                motion.          {Band pulley}, [or] {Belt pulley}, a pulley with a broad face             for transmitting power between revolving shafts by means             of a belt, or for guiding a belt.          {Cone pulley}. See {Cone pulley}.          {Conical pulley}, one of a pair of belt pulleys, each in the             shape of a truncated cone, for varying velocities.          {Fast pulley}, a pulley firmly attached upon a shaft.          {Loose pulley}, a pulley loose on a shaft, to interrupt the             transmission of motion in machinery. See {Fast and loose             pulleys}, under {Fast}.          {Parting pulley}, a belt pulley made in semicircular halves,             which can be bolted together, to facilitate application             to, or removal from, a shaft.          {Pulley block}. Same as {Block}, n. 6.          {Pulley stile} (Arch.), the upright of the window frame into             which a pulley is fixed and along which the sash slides.                      {Split pulley}, a parting pulley.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Fasted}; p. pr. & vb. n.       {Fasting}.] [AS. f[ae]stan; akin to D. vasten, OHG.       fast[emac]n, G. fasten, Icel. & Sw. fasta, Dan. faste, Goth.       fastan to keep, observe, fast, and prob. to E. fast firm.]       1. To abstain from food; to omit to take nourishment in whole             or in part; to go hungry.                         Fasting he went to sleep, and fasting waked.                                                                               --Milton.          2. To practice abstinence as a religious exercise or duty; to             abstain from food voluntarily for a time, for the             mortification of the body or appetites, or as a token of             grief, or humiliation and penitence.                         Thou didst fast and weep for the child. --2 Sam.                                                                               xii. 21.          {Fasting day}, a fast day; a day of fasting.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fasten \Fas"ten\, v. i.       To fix one's self; to take firm hold; to clinch; to cling.                   A horse leech will hardly fasten on a fish. --Sir T.                                                                               Browne.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fasten \Fas"ten\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fastened}; p. pr. & vb.       n. {Fastening}.] [AS. f[91]stnian; akin to OHG.       festin[omac]n. See {Fast}, a.]       1. To fix firmly; to make fast; to secure, as by a knot,             lock, bolt, etc.; as, to fasten a chain to the feet; to             fasten a door or window.          2. To cause to hold together or to something else; to attach             or unite firmly; to cause to cleave to something, or to             cleave together, by any means; as, to fasten boards             together with nails or cords; to fasten anything in our             thoughts.                         The words Whig and Tory have been pressed to the                      service of many successions of parties, with very                      different ideas fastened to them.      --Swift.          3. To cause to take close effect; to make to tell; to lay on;             as, to fasten a blow. [Obs.] --Dryden.                         If I can fasten but one cup upon him. --Shak.          {To fasten} {a charge, [or] a crime}, {upon}, to make his             guilt certain, or so probable as to be generally believed.                      {To fasten one's eyes upon}, to look upon steadily without             cessation. --Acts iii. 4.          Syn: To fix; cement; stick; link; affix; annex.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fasten \Fas"ten\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fastened}; p. pr. & vb.       n. {Fastening}.] [AS. f[91]stnian; akin to OHG.       festin[omac]n. See {Fast}, a.]       1. To fix firmly; to make fast; to secure, as by a knot,             lock, bolt, etc.; as, to fasten a chain to the feet; to             fasten a door or window.          2. To cause to hold together or to something else; to attach             or unite firmly; to cause to cleave to something, or to             cleave together, by any means; as, to fasten boards             together with nails or cords; to fasten anything in our             thoughts.                         The words Whig and Tory have been pressed to the                      service of many successions of parties, with very                      different ideas fastened to them.      --Swift.          3. To cause to take close effect; to make to tell; to lay on;             as, to fasten a blow. [Obs.] --Dryden.                         If I can fasten but one cup upon him. --Shak.          {To fasten} {a charge, [or] a crime}, {upon}, to make his             guilt certain, or so probable as to be generally believed.                      {To fasten one's eyes upon}, to look upon steadily without             cessation. --Acts iii. 4.          Syn: To fix; cement; stick; link; affix; annex.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastener \Fas"ten*er\, n.       One who, or that which, makes fast or firm.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastening \Fas"ten*ing\, n.       Anything that binds and makes fast, as a lock, catch, bolt,       bar, buckle, etc.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fasten \Fas"ten\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fastened}; p. pr. & vb.       n. {Fastening}.] [AS. f[91]stnian; akin to OHG.       festin[omac]n. See {Fast}, a.]       1. To fix firmly; to make fast; to secure, as by a knot,             lock, bolt, etc.; as, to fasten a chain to the feet; to             fasten a door or window.          2. To cause to hold together or to something else; to attach             or unite firmly; to cause to cleave to something, or to             cleave together, by any means; as, to fasten boards             together with nails or cords; to fasten anything in our             thoughts.                         The words Whig and Tory have been pressed to the                      service of many successions of parties, with very                      different ideas fastened to them.      --Swift.          3. To cause to take close effect; to make to tell; to lay on;             as, to fasten a blow. [Obs.] --Dryden.                         If I can fasten but one cup upon him. --Shak.          {To fasten} {a charge, [or] a crime}, {upon}, to make his             guilt certain, or so probable as to be generally believed.                      {To fasten one's eyes upon}, to look upon steadily without             cessation. --Acts iii. 4.          Syn: To fix; cement; stick; link; affix; annex.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, a. [Compar. {Faster}; superl. {Fastest}.] [OE.,       firm, strong, not loose, AS. f[?]st; akin to OS. fast, D.       vast, OHG. fasti, festi, G. fest, Icel. fastr, Sw. & Dan.       fast, and perh. to E. fetter. The sense swift comes from the       idea of keeping close to what is pursued; a Scandinavian use.       Cf. {Fast}, adv., {Fast}, v., {Avast}.]       1. Firmly fixed; closely adhering; made firm; not loose,             unstable, or easily moved; immovable; as, to make fast the             door.                         There is an order that keeps things fast. --Burke.          2. Firm against attack; fortified by nature or art;             impregnable; strong.                         Outlaws . . . lurking in woods and fast places.                                                                               --Spenser.          3. Firm in adherence; steadfast; not easily separated or             alienated; faithful; as, a fast friend.          4. Permanent; not liable to fade by exposure to air or by             washing; durable; lasting; as, fast colors.          5. Tenacious; retentive. [Obs.]                         Roses, damask and red, are fast flowers of their                      smells.                                             --Bacon.          6. Not easily disturbed or broken; deep; sound.                         All this while in a most fast sleep.   --Shak.          7. Moving rapidly; quick in mition; rapid; swift; as, a fast             horse.          8. Given to pleasure seeking; disregardful of restraint;             reckless; wild; dissipated; dissolute; as, a fast man; a             fast liver. --Thackeray.          {Fast and loose}, now cohering, now disjoined; inconstant,             esp. in the phrases to play at fast and loose, to play             fast and loose, to act with giddy or reckless inconstancy             or in a tricky manner; to say one thing and do another.             [bd]Play fast and loose with faith.[b8] --Shak.          {Fast and loose pulleys} (Mach.), two pulleys placed side by             side on a revolving shaft, which is driven from another             shaft by a band, and arranged to disengage and re[89]ngage             the machinery driven thereby. When the machinery is to be             stopped, the band is transferred from the pulley fixed to             the shaft to the pulley which revolves freely upon it, and             vice versa.          {Hard and fast} (Naut.), so completely aground as to be             immovable.          {To make fast} (Naut.), to make secure; to fasten firmly, as             a vessel, a rope, or a door.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Faster \Fast"er\, n.       One who abstains from food.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, a. [Compar. {Faster}; superl. {Fastest}.] [OE.,       firm, strong, not loose, AS. f[?]st; akin to OS. fast, D.       vast, OHG. fasti, festi, G. fest, Icel. fastr, Sw. & Dan.       fast, and perh. to E. fetter. The sense swift comes from the       idea of keeping close to what is pursued; a Scandinavian use.       Cf. {Fast}, adv., {Fast}, v., {Avast}.]       1. Firmly fixed; closely adhering; made firm; not loose,             unstable, or easily moved; immovable; as, to make fast the             door.                         There is an order that keeps things fast. --Burke.          2. Firm against attack; fortified by nature or art;             impregnable; strong.                         Outlaws . . . lurking in woods and fast places.                                                                               --Spenser.          3. Firm in adherence; steadfast; not easily separated or             alienated; faithful; as, a fast friend.          4. Permanent; not liable to fade by exposure to air or by             washing; durable; lasting; as, fast colors.          5. Tenacious; retentive. [Obs.]                         Roses, damask and red, are fast flowers of their                      smells.                                             --Bacon.          6. Not easily disturbed or broken; deep; sound.                         All this while in a most fast sleep.   --Shak.          7. Moving rapidly; quick in mition; rapid; swift; as, a fast             horse.          8. Given to pleasure seeking; disregardful of restraint;             reckless; wild; dissipated; dissolute; as, a fast man; a             fast liver. --Thackeray.          {Fast and loose}, now cohering, now disjoined; inconstant,             esp. in the phrases to play at fast and loose, to play             fast and loose, to act with giddy or reckless inconstancy             or in a tricky manner; to say one thing and do another.             [bd]Play fast and loose with faith.[b8] --Shak.          {Fast and loose pulleys} (Mach.), two pulleys placed side by             side on a revolving shaft, which is driven from another             shaft by a band, and arranged to disengage and re[89]ngage             the machinery driven thereby. When the machinery is to be             stopped, the band is transferred from the pulley fixed to             the shaft to the pulley which revolves freely upon it, and             vice versa.          {Hard and fast} (Naut.), so completely aground as to be             immovable.          {To make fast} (Naut.), to make secure; to fasten firmly, as             a vessel, a rope, or a door.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast-handed \Fast"-hand`ed\, a.       Close-handed; close-fisted; covetous; avaricious. [Obs.]       --Bacon.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastidiosity \Fas*tid`i*os"i*ty\, n.       Fastidiousness; squeamishness. [Obs.] --Swift.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastidious \Fas*tid"i*ous\, a. [L. fastidiosus disdainful, fr.       fastidium loathing, aversion, perh. fr. fastus arrogance (of       uncertain origin) + taedium loathing. Cf. {Tedious}, {Fash}.]       Difficult to please; delicate to a fault; suited with       difficulty; squeamish; as, a fastidious mind or ear; a       fastidious appetite.                   Proud youth ! fastidious of the lower world. --Young.          Syn: Squeamish; critical; overnice; difficult; punctilious.                         Usage: {Fastidious}, {Squeamish}. We call a person fastidious                   when his taste or feelings are offended by trifling                   defects or errors; we call him squeamish when he is                   excessively nice or critical on minor points, and also                   when he is overscrupulous as to questions of duty.                   [bd]Whoever examines his own imperfections will cease                   to be fastidious; whoever restrains his caprice and                   scrupulosity will cease to be squeamish.[b8] --Crabb.                   -- {Fas*tid"i*ous*ly}, adv. -- {Fas*tid"i*ous*ness},                   n.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastidious \Fas*tid"i*ous\, a. [L. fastidiosus disdainful, fr.       fastidium loathing, aversion, perh. fr. fastus arrogance (of       uncertain origin) + taedium loathing. Cf. {Tedious}, {Fash}.]       Difficult to please; delicate to a fault; suited with       difficulty; squeamish; as, a fastidious mind or ear; a       fastidious appetite.                   Proud youth ! fastidious of the lower world. --Young.          Syn: Squeamish; critical; overnice; difficult; punctilious.                         Usage: {Fastidious}, {Squeamish}. We call a person fastidious                   when his taste or feelings are offended by trifling                   defects or errors; we call him squeamish when he is                   excessively nice or critical on minor points, and also                   when he is overscrupulous as to questions of duty.                   [bd]Whoever examines his own imperfections will cease                   to be fastidious; whoever restrains his caprice and                   scrupulosity will cease to be squeamish.[b8] --Crabb.                   -- {Fas*tid"i*ous*ly}, adv. -- {Fas*tid"i*ous*ness},                   n.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastidious \Fas*tid"i*ous\, a. [L. fastidiosus disdainful, fr.       fastidium loathing, aversion, perh. fr. fastus arrogance (of       uncertain origin) + taedium loathing. Cf. {Tedious}, {Fash}.]       Difficult to please; delicate to a fault; suited with       difficulty; squeamish; as, a fastidious mind or ear; a       fastidious appetite.                   Proud youth ! fastidious of the lower world. --Young.          Syn: Squeamish; critical; overnice; difficult; punctilious.                         Usage: {Fastidious}, {Squeamish}. We call a person fastidious                   when his taste or feelings are offended by trifling                   defects or errors; we call him squeamish when he is                   excessively nice or critical on minor points, and also                   when he is overscrupulous as to questions of duty.                   [bd]Whoever examines his own imperfections will cease                   to be fastidious; whoever restrains his caprice and                   scrupulosity will cease to be squeamish.[b8] --Crabb.                   -- {Fas*tid"i*ous*ly}, adv. -- {Fas*tid"i*ous*ness},                   n.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastigiate \Fas*tig"i*ate\, Fastigiated \Fas*tig"i*a`ted\, a.       [L. fastigium gable end, top, height, summit.]       1. Narrowing towards the top.          2. (Bot.) Clustered, parallel, and upright, as the branches             of the Lombardy poplar; pointed.          3. (Zo[94]l.) United into a conical bundle, or into a bundle             with an enlarged head, like a sheaf of wheat.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastigiate \Fas*tig"i*ate\, Fastigiated \Fas*tig"i*a`ted\, a.       [L. fastigium gable end, top, height, summit.]       1. Narrowing towards the top.          2. (Bot.) Clustered, parallel, and upright, as the branches             of the Lombardy poplar; pointed.          3. (Zo[94]l.) United into a conical bundle, or into a bundle             with an enlarged head, like a sheaf of wheat.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastilarian \Fas"ti*la"ri*an\, n. [From {Fusty}.]       A low fellow; a stinkard; a scoundrel. [Obs.] --Shak.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Fasted}; p. pr. & vb. n.       {Fasting}.] [AS. f[ae]stan; akin to D. vasten, OHG.       fast[emac]n, G. fasten, Icel. & Sw. fasta, Dan. faste, Goth.       fastan to keep, observe, fast, and prob. to E. fast firm.]       1. To abstain from food; to omit to take nourishment in whole             or in part; to go hungry.                         Fasting he went to sleep, and fasting waked.                                                                               --Milton.          2. To practice abstinence as a religious exercise or duty; to             abstain from food voluntarily for a time, for the             mortification of the body or appetites, or as a token of             grief, or humiliation and penitence.                         Thou didst fast and weep for the child. --2 Sam.                                                                               xii. 21.          {Fasting day}, a fast day; a day of fasting.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fast \Fast\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Fasted}; p. pr. & vb. n.       {Fasting}.] [AS. f[ae]stan; akin to D. vasten, OHG.       fast[emac]n, G. fasten, Icel. & Sw. fasta, Dan. faste, Goth.       fastan to keep, observe, fast, and prob. to E. fast firm.]       1. To abstain from food; to omit to take nourishment in whole             or in part; to go hungry.                         Fasting he went to sleep, and fasting waked.                                                                               --Milton.          2. To practice abstinence as a religious exercise or duty; to             abstain from food voluntarily for a time, for the             mortification of the body or appetites, or as a token of             grief, or humiliation and penitence.                         Thou didst fast and weep for the child. --2 Sam.                                                                               xii. 21.          {Fasting day}, a fast day; a day of fasting.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastish \Fast"ish\, a.       Rather fast; also, somewhat dissipated. [Colloq.]       --Thackeray.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastly \Fast"ly\, adv.       Firmly; surely.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastness \Fast"ness\, n. [AS. f[91]stnes, fr. f[91]st fast. See       {Fast}, a.]       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.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastuous \Fas"tu*ous\, a. [L. fastuosus, from fastus       haughtiness, pride: cf. F. fastueux.]       Proud; haughty; disdainful. [Obs.] --Barrow. --       {Fas"tu*ous*ness}, n. [Obs.] --Jer. Taylor.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Fastuous \Fas"tu*ous\, a. [L. fastuosus, from fastus       haughtiness, pride: cf. F. fastueux.]       Proud; haughty; disdainful. [Obs.] --Barrow. --       {Fas"tu*ous*ness}, n. [Obs.] --Jer. Taylor.
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
FAST          1. {Federation Against Software Theft}.          2. {Fortran Automatic Symbol Translator}.          (1996-05-19)
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
Fast ATA          {Advanced Technology Attachment Interface with Extensions}
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
Fast ATA-2          {Advanced Technology Attachment Interface with Extensions}
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
Fast Ethernet          A version of {Ethernet} developed in the 1990s(?)       which can carry 100 {Mbps} compared with standard Ethernet's       10 Mbps.   It requires upgraded {network cards} and {hubs}.          The relevant standards are {100BaseT}, {100BaseFX} and       {100BaseVG}.          (1998-03-23)
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
Fast Fourier Transform          (FFT) An {algorithm} for computing the {Fourier       transform} of a set of discrete data values.   Given a finite       set of data points, for example a periodic sampling taken from       a real-world signal, the FFT expresses the data in terms of       its component frequencies.   It also solves the essentially       identical inverse problem of reconstructing a signal from the       frequency data.          The FFT is a mainstay of {numerical analysis}.   Gilbert Strang       described it as "the most important algorithm of our       generation".   The FFT also provides the asymptotically fastest       known algorithm for multiplying two {polynomial}s.          Versions of the algorithm (in {C} and {Fortran}) can be found       on-line from the {GAMS} server {here       (http://gams.nist.gov/cgi-bin/gams-serve/class/J1.html)}.          ["Numerical Methods and Analysis", Buchanan and Turner].          (1994-11-09)
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
Fast Packet          {Asynchronous Transfer Mode}
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
Fast Page Mode Dynamic Random Access Memory          Is this the same as {Page Mode Dynamic       Random Access Memory}?          (1996-10-06)
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
Fast SCSI          A variant on the {SCSI-2} bus.   It uses the same       8-bit bus as the original {SCSI}-1 but runs at up to 10MB/s -       double the speed of SCSI-1.          (1994-11-24)
From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (15Feb98) [foldoc]:
Faster LEX          (FLEX) A reimplementation of the {Lex} {scanner       generator}, by Vern Paxson .          {Flex++} produces {C++} and {aflex} produces {Ada}.          FTP flex-2.3.8.tar.Z from a {GNU archive site} or       {(ftp://ftp.ee.lbl.gov/pub/flex-2.4.3.tar.Z)}.          ["The FLEX Scanner Generator", Vern Paxson ,       Systems Engineering, LBL, CA].          [Home?   Current version?]          (2003-12-16)
From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary [easton]:
Fast       The sole fast required by the law of Moses was that of the great       Day of Atonement (q.v.), Lev. 23:26-32. It is called "the fast"       (Acts 27:9).                The only other mention of a periodical fast in the Old       Testament is in Zech. 7:1-7; 8:19, from which it appears that       during their captivity the Jews observed four annual fasts.                (1.) The fast of the fourth month, kept on the seventeenth day       of Tammuz, the anniversary of the capture of Jerusalem by the       Chaldeans; to commemorate also the incident recorded Ex. 32:19.       (Comp. Jer. 52:6, 7.)                (2.) The fast of the fifth month, kept on the ninth of Ab       (comp. Num. 14:27), to commemorate the burning of the city and       temple (Jer. 52:12, 13).                (3.) The fast of the seventh month, kept on the third of Tisri       (comp. 2 Kings 25), the anniversary of the murder of Gedaliah       (Jer. 41:1, 2).                (4.) The fast of the tenth month (comp. Jer. 52:4; Ezek.       33:21; 2 Kings 25:1), to commemorate the beginning of the siege       of the holy city by Nebuchadnezzar.                There was in addition to these the fast appointed by Esther       (4:16).                Public national fasts on account of sin or to supplicate       divine favour were sometimes held. (1.) 1 Sam. 7:6; (2.) 2 Chr.       20:3; (3.) Jer. 36:6-10; (4.) Neh. 9:1.                There were also local fasts. (1.) Judg. 20:26; (2.) 2 Sam.       1:12; (3.) 1 Sam. 31:13; (4.) 1 Kings 21:9-12; (5.) Ezra       8:21-23: (6.) Jonah 3:5-9.                There are many instances of private occasional fasting (1 Sam.       1:7: 20:34; 2 Sam. 3:35; 12:16; 1 Kings 21:27; Ezra 10:6; Neh.       1:4; Dan. 10:2,3). Moses fasted forty days (Ex. 24:18; 34:28),       and so also did Elijah (1 Kings 19:8). Our Lord fasted forty       days in the wilderness (Matt. 4:2).                In the lapse of time the practice of fasting was lamentably       abused (Isa. 58:4; Jer. 14:12; Zech. 7:5). Our Lord rebuked the       Pharisees for their hypocritical pretences in fasting (Matt.       6:16). He himself appointed no fast. The early Christians,       however, observed the ordinary fasts according to the law of       their fathers (Acts 13:3; 14:23; 2 Cor. 6:5).