federal

Definitions

1. adjective

   Relating to an agreement between nations or states.

   Examples

   • The two nations signed a federal treaty of alliance.
   • Federal ties bound the small states together for defense.
2. adjective

   Relating to the national government, not a state or town.

   Examples

   • Federal law overrides state law in these cases.
   • The federal government pays for the highways.
3. adjective

   In religion, relating to a belief in agreements between God and people.

   Examples

   • He studied federal theology at college.
   • The preacher explained the federal view of Adam.
4. noun

   A national government agent, in informal speech.

   Examples

   • A federal came by asking questions about the case.
   • Federals arrested the suspect at the border.
5. noun

   An officer of the FBI, in informal speech.

   Examples

   • The federal showed his badge before going in.
   • She has worked as a federal for over ten years.
6. noun

   A Union soldier in the American Civil War.

   Examples

   • The Federals advanced across the field at dawn.
   • Confederate troops fought the Federals near the river.
7. noun

   A person who supported a strong central government, in old use.

   Examples

   • The federals argued for a stronger central government.
   • He was a lifelong federal.