Federal
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(1): ( n.) See Federalist.
(2): ( a.) Composed of states or districts which retain only a subordinate and limited sovereignty, as the Union of the United States, or the Sonderbund of Switzerland.
(3): ( a.) Pertaining to a league or treaty; derived from an agreement or covenant between parties, especially between nations; constituted by a compact between parties, usually governments or their representatives.
(4): ( a.) Friendly or devoted to such a government; as, the Federal party. see Federalist.
(5): ( a.) Consisting or pertaining to such a government; as, the Federal Constitution; a Federal officer.
King James Dictionary [2]
Fed'Eral, a. from L. faedus, a league, allied perhaps to Eng. wed. L. vas, vadis, vador, vadimonium. See Heb. to pledge.
1. Pertaining to a league or contract derived from an agreement or covenant between parties, particularly between nations.
The Romans, contrary to federal right, compelled them to part with Sardinia.
2. Consisting in a compact between parties, particularly and chiefly between states or nations founded on alliance by contract or mutual agreement as a federal government, such as that of the United States. 3. Friendly to the constitution of the United States. See the Noun.
