3. (Law)
Defn: A combination of two or more persons to commit an unlawful act, or to do a lawful act by unlawful means. See Conspiracy.
Syn. — League; compact; alliance; association; union; combination; confederation.
CONFEDERATE Con*fed"er*ate, a. Etym: [L. confoederatus, p. p. of confoederare to join by a league; con- + foederare to establish by treaty or league, fr. foedus league, compact. See Federal.]
1. United in a league; allied by treaty; engaged in a confederacy; banded together; allied. All the swords In Italy, and her confederate arms, Could not have made this peace. Shak.
2. (Amer. Hist.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the government of the eleven Southern States of the United States which (1860-1865) attempted to establish an independent nation styled the Confederate States of America; as, the Confederate congress; Confederate money.
CONFEDERATE
Con*fed"er*ate, n.
1. One who is united with others in a league; a person or a nation engaged in a confederacy; an ally; also, an accomplice in a bad sense. He found some of his confederates in gaol. Macaulay.
2. (Amer. Hist.)