\Con*fed`er*a"tion\, n. [L. confoederatio: cf. F.
conf['e]d['e]ration.]
1. The act of confederating; a league; a compact for mutual
   support; alliance, particularly of princes, nations, or
   states.
         The three princes enter into some strict league and
         confederation among themselves.       --Bacon.
         This was no less than a political confederation of
         the colonies of New England.          --Palfrey.
2. The parties that are confederated, considered as a unit; a
   confederacy.
{Articles of confederation}. See under {Article}.