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.