Con-fĕd'er-a-cy, n.
n. [From confederate, a., q. v., N. Lat. confederatia. Cf. aristocracy, with aristocrat, and Lat. aristocratia.] 1. A league or covenant; a compact for mutual support or common action; union between two or more persons, bodies of men, or states; mutual engagement; federal compact.
The friendships of the world are oft Confederacies in vice or leagues of pleasure. Addison.
In this manner Virginia laid the foundation of our Union, Massachusetts organized a province, Virginia promoted a confederacy. Bancroft.
Sense 2. The persons, bodies, states, or nations united by a league.
The Grecian commonwealth, while they maintained their liberty, were the most heroic confederacy that ever existed. Harris.
Virgil has a whole confederacy against him. Dryden.
Sense 3. (Law.) A combination of two or more persons to commit an unlawful act, or to do some damage or injury to another. See CONSPIRACY.
SYN.—League; covenant; compact; alliance; combination; coalition; confederation.