Federal
Federal , adjective
[Latin foedus league, treaty, compact; akin to fides faith: compare French fédéral. see Faith.]
1.
Pertaining to a league 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 compelled them, contrary to all federal right,... to part with Sardinia.
2.
(a) 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.
(b)
Consisting or pertaining to such a government; as, the Federal Constitution; a Federal officer.
(c)
Friendly or devoted to such a government; as, the Federal party. see Federalist.
Collocations (1)
Federal Congress , See under Congress.
Federal , noun
See Federalist.