Al-li'ance, n.

n. [Fr. alliance, from allier, to unite; Lat. alligare, to bind to something; ad and ligare, to bind; Pr. aliansa, Sp. alianza, It. alleanza.]

1. The state of being allied; a union or connection of interests between families, states, parties, &c.; especially between families by marriage and states by compact, treaty, or league; as, matrimonial alliances; an alliance between church and state; an alliance between France and England.
2. The compact or treaty which is the instrument of allying or confederating. Hallam.

Adrastus soon, with gods averse, shall join In dire alliance with the Theban line. Pope 3. The persons or parties allied. I would not boast the greatness of my father, But point out new alliances to Cato. Addison. Syn.—Connection; affinity; union; confederacy; league; coalition.