Definition of: allegiance

(ə·lē′jəns) noun
1. Fidelity, or an obligation of fidelity, to a government from a citizen, to a superior, or to a principle.
2. The obligation of fidelity in general.
3. Archaic The duty and obligation of a vassal holding lands by fealty to the superior lord. [ME alegeaunce <a- to (<L ad-) + OF ligeance <liege. See LIEGE.] Synonyms: devotion, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, homage, loyalty, obedience, subjection. The feudal uses of these words have mostly passed away with the state of society that gave them birth; but their origin still colors their present meaning. A patriotic American feels an enthusiastic loyalty to the Republic; he takes an oath of allegiance to the government, but his loyalty will lead him to do more than mere allegiance could demand; he pays homage to God or to those principles of right that are supreme; he acknowledges the duty of obedience to all rightful authority; he resents the idea of subjection. Fealty, except in poetic style, has given place to faithfulness or fidelity. Antonyms: disaffection, disloyalty, rebellion, sedition, treason.