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allegiance

Pronunciation: /əˈliːdʒ(ə)ns/

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Definition of allegiance

noun

[mass noun]

loyalty or commitment to a superior or to a group or cause:those wishing to receive citizenship must swear allegiance to the republic [count noun]:a complex pattern of cross-party allegiances

Origin:

late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French, variant of Old French ligeance, from lige, liege (see liege), perhaps by association with Anglo-Latin alligantia 'alliance'