Al-lē'giance, n.

(-jance), n. [Fr. allégeance, L. Lat. allegantia, alligantia, allegiantia, from Lat. alligare, to bind to; ad and ligare, to bind; L. Lat. allegere, alligare, allegiare, adlegiare, so that even Lat. lex, law, could claim its share of influence upon the origin of the word.] The tie or obligation, implied or expressed, which a subject owes to his prince or government; the duty of fidelity to a king, government, or state.

Synonyms— Loyalty; fealty. — ALLEGIANCE, LOYALTY. These words agree in expressing the general idea of fidelity and attachment to the “powers that be.” Allegiance is a principle. Loyalty is a feeling or sentiment. Allegiance may exist under any form of government, and, in a republic, we generally speak of allegiance to the government, to the state, &c. In well-conducted monarchies, this sentiment takes the form of loyalty, and is a warm-hearted feeling of fidelity and obedience to the sovereign. It is personal in its nature; and hence we speak of the loyalty of a wife to her husband, not of her allegiance. In cases where we personify, loyalty is more commonly the word used; as, loyalty to the constitution; loyalty to the cause of virtue; loyalty to truth and religion, &c.

Hear me, recreant, on thine allegiance hear me! Shak.

Abdiel faithful found, Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified, . . . His loyalty he kept. Milton.