Fēd'er-al1, a.
a. [Fr. fédéral, from Lat. fœdus, league, treaty, compact.]
Sense 1. Pertaining to a league, contract, or treaty; derived from an agreement or covenant between parties, especially between nations; constituted by a compact between parties, usually governments or their representatives.
The Romans, contrary to federal right, compelled them to part with Sardinia. Grew.
☞ Adam is sometimes called, in theological language, the federal head of the human race.
Sense 2. Specifically, 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; constituting or pertaining to such a government, as the Federal Constitution; a Federal officer; friendly or devoted to such a government.