ALLEGIANCE

noun Etymology: Middle English aligeaunce, from Anglo-French allegeance, alteration of ligeance, from lige liege Date: 14th century 1. the obligation of a feudal vassal to his liege lord, b. the fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to a sovereign or government, the obligation of an alien to the government under which the alien resides, devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause, see: fidelity allegiant adjective