ˈfē(ə)ltē, -ti noun
( -es )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Middle French fealté ) of Middle English feute, feaute, from Old French feauté, fealté, alteration (influenced by feal faithful) of feelté, from Latin fidelitat-, fidelitas fidelity, from fidelis faithful + -itat-, -itas -ity
1.
a. : the fidelity of a vassal or feudal tenant to his lord
b. : the obligation of such fidelity
received him as king and lord of Ireland, vowing loyal obedience to him and his successors, and acknowledging fealty to them forever — Owen Wister
c. : an oath committing one to such fidelity
swore fealty to his overlord
2.
a. : faithfulness , allegiance
the board … to be appointed by the President, presumably from names submitted by the Academy or those holding strong fealty to it — M.L.Cooke
fealty to facts
specifically : faithfulness or allegiance conceived as an obligation or duty
the fealty owed by a citizen to the best interest of his country
b. : an oath committing one to such fidelity or allegiance
swore fealty to the Constitution with his hand resting upon a Bible — Time
Synonyms: see fidelity