alliance

n. [ OE. aliaunce, OF. aliance, F. alliance, fr. OF. alier, F. allier. See Ally, and cf. LL. alligantia. ] 1. The state of being allied; the act of allying or uniting; a union or connection of interests between families, states, parties, etc., especially between families by marriage and states by compact, treaty, or league; as, matrimonial alliances; an alliance between church and state; an alliance between France and England. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Any union resembling that of families or states; union by relationship in qualities; affinity. [ 1913 Webster ]

The alliance of the principles of the world with those of the gospel. C. J. Smith. [ 1913 Webster ]

The alliance . . . between logic and metaphysics. Mansel. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The persons or parties allied. Udall. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Connection; affinity; union; confederacy; confederation; league; coalition. [ 1913 Webster ]