First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
allegiance
noun al·le·giance \ə-ˈlē-jən(t)s\
: loyalty to a person, country, group, etc.
Full Definition of ALLEGIANCE
1
a : the obligation of a feudal vassal to his liege lord b (1) : the fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to a sovereign or government (2) : the obligation of an alien to the government under which the alien resides
2
: devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause
— al·le·giant \-jənt\ adjective
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Origin of ALLEGIANCE
Middle English aligeaunce, from Anglo-French allegeance, alteration of ligeance, from lige liege
Related to ALLEGIANCE
- Synonyms
- adhesion, fidelity, attachment, commitment, constancy, dedication, devotedness, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fastness, fealty, loyalty, piety, steadfastness, troth
- Antonyms
- disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, inconstancy, infidelity, perfidiousness, perfidy, treachery, unfaithfulness
Synonym Discussion of ALLEGIANCE
fidelity, allegiance, fealty, loyalty, devotion, piety mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty. fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty <marital fidelity>. allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country <pledging allegiance>. fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow <fealty to the truth>. loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray <valued the loyalty of his friends>. devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication <a painter's devotion to her art>. piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental <filial piety>.
Other Government and Politics Terms
ALLEGIANCE Defined for Kids
allegiance
noun al·le·giance \ə-ˈlē-jəns\
Definition of ALLEGIANCE for Kids
: loyalty and service to a group, country, or idea <I pledge allegiance to my country.>
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