† asˈfast, as fast, advb. phr.
Besides its obvious import (see as A 3, 5, and fast), this combination had formerly the sense of: As fast as might be, very quickly, straightway, immediately (Fr. aussitôt). Cf. assoon, astite.
| c 1374 Chaucer Troylus v. 1641 And such a case betide, and that as fast, That Troilus well understood that she N'as nat so kind as that her ought to be. 1440 Promp. Parv., Asfaste, or a-noon [1499 asfast, or anone] Statim, confestim, protinus, mox. |