Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Allegiance
Al-le′giance
,Noun.
1.
The tie or obligation, implied or expressed, which a subject owes to his sovereign or government; the duty of fidelity to one’s king, government, or state.
2.
Devotion; loyalty;
as,
. allegiance
to science
Syn. – Loyalty; fealty.
– Allegiance
, Loyalty
. These words agree in expressing the general idea of fidelity and attachment to the “powers that be.” Allegiance is an obligation to a ruling power. Loyalty is a feeling or sentiment towards such power. Allegiance may exist under any form of government, and, in a republic, we generally speak of allegiance to the government, to the state, etc. In well conducted monarchies, loyalty is a warm-hearted feeling of fidelity and obedience to the sovereign. It is personal in its nature; and hence we speak of the loyalty of a wife to her husband, not of her allegiance. In cases where we personify, loyalty is more commonly the word used; as,
loyalty
to the constitution; loyalty
to the cause of virtue; loyalty
to truth and religion, etc.Hear me, recreant, on thine
allegiance
hear me! Shakespeare
So spake the Seraph Abdiel, faithful found, . . .
Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified,
His
Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified,
His
loyalty
he kept, his love, his zeal. Milton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Allegiance
ALLE'GIANCE
,Noun.
The tie or obligation of a subject to his Prince or government; the duty of fidelity to a king, government or state. Every native or citizen owes allegiance to the government under which he is born. This is called natural or implied allegiance, which arises from the connection of a person with the society in which he is born, and his duty to be a faithful subject, independent of any express promise. Express allegiance, is that obligation which proceeds from an express promise, or oath of fidelity.
Local or temporary allegiance is due from an alien to the government or state in which he resides.
Definition 2024
allegiance
allegiance
English
Alternative forms
- allegiaunce (obsolete)
Noun
allegiance (plural allegiances)
Derived terms
- oath of allegiance
- pledge of allegiance
Synonyms
Translations
loyalty to some cause, nation or ruler
|
|