Foedus
/ˈfoe̯.dus/noun
A treaty, pact, or alliance, especially in ancient Roman usage.
Did you know?In Roman religion, a foedus was often sworn with ritual and sacrifice, making it a legal bond backed by divine witness, not just human trust.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeh₂-
“to speak, say”
Latin
Latin
foedus
“treaty, compact, alliance”
Late Latin
Latin
foedus (legal and diplomatic usage)
“formal agreement between states or peoples”
Old French
French
feud / fede
“fealty, oath of loyalty”
Middle English
English
fede / feod
“fealty, allegiance”
Modern English
English
federal
“relating to a system of government formed by union of states”
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