\Fed"er*al\, a. [L. foedus league, treaty, compact; akin
to fides faith: cf. F. f['e]d['e]ral. see {Faith}.]
1. Pertaining to a league or treaty; derived from an
   agreement or covenant between parties, especially between
   nations; constituted by a compact between parties, usually
   governments or their representatives.
         The Romans compelled them, contrary to all federal
         right, . . . to part with Sardinia.   --Grew.
2. Specifically:
   (a) Composed of states or districts which retain only a
       subordinate and limited sovereignty, as the Union of
       the United States, or the Sonderbund of Switzerland.
   (b) Consisting or pertaining to such a government; as, the
       Federal Constitution; a Federal officer.
   (c) Friendly or devoted to such a government; as, the
       Federal party. see {Federalist}.
{Federal Congress}. See under {Congress}.

\Fed"er*al\, n.
See {Federalist}.