What is "to fasten a charge upon"

Fasten \Fas"ten\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fastened; p. pr. & vb. n. Fastening.] [AS. f[ae]stnian; akin to OHG. festin[=o]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 upon or To fasten 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.