Allegiance
/əˈliː.dʒəns/noun
A loyalty or commitment to a person, group, or cause.
Did you know?The concept of allegiance was deeply intertwined with feudal oaths, binding individuals not just by loyalty, but by a mystical promise to their lord, evoking a sense of spiritual duty.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
allegantia
“Faithfulness or loyalty, particularly to a lord or sovereign.”
12th Century
Old French
alegeance
“A bond of loyalty or fidelity; an oath of loyalty.”
14th Century
Middle English
allegeance
“A promise of allegiance, often involving feudal ties.”
Modern English
English
allegiance
“A formal commitment or loyalty to a sovereign or state.”