confederacy

n.; pl. Confederacies [ From Confederate, a. ] 1. A league or compact between two or more persons, bodies of men, or states, for mutual support or common action; alliance. [ 1913 Webster ]

The friendships of the world are oft
Confederacies in vice or leagues of pleasure. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

He hath heard of our confederacy. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Virginia promoted a confederacy. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The persons, bodies, states, or nations united by a league; a confederation. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Grecian common wealth, . . . the most heroic confederacy that ever existed. Harris. [ 1913 Webster ]

Virgil has a whole confederacy against him. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) 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. [ 1913 Webster ]