əˈlējən(t)s also aˈ- noun
also al·le·gian·cy -nsē, -si
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English alligeaunce, allegeaunce, modification (influenced by Middle English alleggeaunce allegation, from alleggen to allege + -aunce -ance) of Middle French ligeance, from Old French, from lige liege + -ance — more at liege
1.
a. : the relation or obligation of a feudal vassal to his liege lord — compare fealty
b.
(1) : the duty of fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to his sovereign or government
(2) : the obligation of an alien to the government under which he resides — see local allegiance , natural allegiance ; compare expatriate vi
2. : devotion or loyalty especially to a person, group, or cause entitled to obedience or service and respect
wandered between … his allegiances to political democracy and Marxist economics — Time
the allegiance of a poet to a specific philosophy — René Wellek
rival powers compete for our allegiance ; we are forever straining to serve two masters — Herbert Agar
Synonyms: see fidelity