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Local. Derived from the borough of Hastings, in Sussex, England, which is memorable for the landing of William the Conqueror, and defeat and death of Harold II, in 1066. Camden derives this name from one Hastings, a Dane, a great robber, who either seized, or built, or fortified it. Somnerus derives it from the Saxon haeste, heat, because of the bubbling or boiling of the sea in that place j but as haste applies rather to voluntary beings, as men and other animals, the name more correctly signifies one who hurries, presses, drives; vehemency, quickness of motion.
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