Loy'al, a.
[Fr. loyal, O. Fr. loial, leial, leal, Pr. leyal, leial, lial, Sp. & Pg. leal, It. leale, legale, Lat. legalis, from lex, legis, Fr. loy, loi, lei, law. Cf. LEAL.]
- Devoted to the maintenance of law; disposed to uphold the constituted authority; faithful to the lawful government, whether parental, civil, or divine.
- Faithful to the sovereign, either as the maker of the law, or as the personal representative of the government; allegiant.
The citizens, on their part, showed themselves stout and loyal subjects. Bacon. 3. Hence, faithful to a lover or friend, especially under trying circumstances; constant; as, a loyal heart. There Laodamia with Evadne moves: Unhappy both, but loyal in their loves. Dryden.