holdfast

plural holdfasts

1. Something to or by which an object can be securely fastened.

   And Ivy divided from the root, we have observed to live some years, by the cirrous parts commonly conceived but as tentacles and holdfasts unto it.

   1658, Sir Thomas Browne, The Garden of Cyrus, Folio Society, published 2007, page 198

2. biologyA root-like structure that anchors aquatic sessile organisms, such as seaweed, other sessile algae, stalked crinoids, benthic cnidarians, and sponges, to the substrate.
3. archaicmedicineActinomycosis.
4. The aspect of a character that experiences destructive temptation.

   Alienation: A stage on the downside of the passage wherein the holdfast and the antihero take actions which bring about a disintegration of personality.

   2006, James Bonnet, Stealing Fire from the Gods: The Complete Guide to Story for Writers and Filmmakers

1. A hamlet and civil parish (served by Longdon, Queenhill and Holdfast Parish Council) in Malvern Hills district, Worcestershire, England (OS grid ref SO853378).