"federal" Definition

Definitions for the word "federal" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. 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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. a.
Consisting or pertaining to such a government; as, the Federal Constitution; a Federal officer.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. a.
Friendly or devoted to such a government; as, the Federal party. see Federalist.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
See Federalist.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. adj.
1 of a system of government in which self-governing states unite for certain functions etc. 2 of such a federation (federal laws). 3 of or favouring centralized government. 4 (federal) us of the northern states in the civil war. 5 comprising an association of largely independent units. federalism n. Federalist n. Federalize v. (also -ise) (-zing or -sing). Federalization n. Federally adv. [latin foedus covenant]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "federal" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "federal" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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