Defn: imp. & p. p. of Feed.
FEDARY
Fed"a*ry, n.
Defn: A feodary. [Obs.] Shak.
FEDERAL Fed"er*al, a. Etym: [L. foedus league, treaty, compact; akin to fides faith: cf. F. 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. Grew.
2. Specifically: (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. Federal Congress. See under Congress.
FEDERAL
Fed"er*al, n.
Defn: See Federalist.
FEDERALISM
Fed"er*al*ism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. fédéralisme.]
Defn: the principles of Federalists or of federal union.