Federal

Part of speech: noun (n.)

See Federalist.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

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. Grew.

2. Specifically:

3. 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.

4. Consisting or pertaining to such a government; as, the Federal Constitution; a Federal officer.

5. Friendly or devoted to such a government; as, the Federal party. see Federalist. Federal Congress. See under Congress.