Fed"er*al , n. See Federalist.
Fed"er*al (?), a. [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.
Hear it pronounced