alliance

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a connection based on kinship or marriage or common interest

   the shifting alliances within a large family

2. 2
   noun

   A union or connection of interests between families, states, parties, etc., especially between families by marriage and states by compact, treaty, or league.

   matrimonial alliances

3. 3
   noun

   Any union resembling that of families or states; union by relationship in qualities; affinity.

   And as for kindred , there is no Alliance neerer vnto any one, than their Countrey , that is to be vnto vs another God, and our prime and deareſt Parent.

4. 4
   noun

   the act of forming an alliance or confederation

5. 5
   noun

   a formal agreement establishing an association or alliance between nations or other groups to achieve a particular aim

6. 6
   noun

   an organization of people (or countries) involved in a pact or treaty

7. 7
   noun

   the state of being allied or confederated

8. 8
   noun

   The state of being allied.

Etymology

From Middle English alliaunce, from Old French aliance (French alliance). Equivalent to ally + -ance. Compare with Doric Greek ἁλία (halía, “assembly”).