Al*li"ance (?), n. [OE. aliaunce,
OF. aliance, F. alliance, fr. OF. alier, F.
allier. See Ally, and cf. LL. alligantia.]
1. The state of being allied; the act of allying or
uniting; a union or connection of interests between families, states,
parties, etc., especially between families by marriage and states by
compact, treaty, or league; as, matrimonial alliances; an
alliance between church and state; an alliance between France
and England.
2. Any union resembling that of families or states;
union by relationship in qualities; affinity.
The alliance of the principles of the world with
those of the gospel.
C. J. Smith.
The alliance . . . between logic and metaphysics.
Mansel.
3. The persons or parties allied.
Udall.
Syn. -- Connection; affinity; union; confederacy; confederation;
league; coalition.
Al*li"ance, v. t. To connect by
alliance; to ally. [Obs.]