Fed″er‐al (?), a. [L. foedus league, treaty, compact; akin to fides faith: cf. F. fédéral. see Faith.] 1. Pertaining to a league or treaty; derived from an agreement or covenant between parties, especially between nations; constituted by a compact between parties, usually governments or their representatives.
The Romans compelled them, contrary to all federal right,... to part with Sardinia. Grew.
2. Specifically: (a) Composed of states or districts which retain only a subordinate and limited sovereignty, as the Union of the United States, or the Sonderbund of Switzerland. (b) Consisting or pertaining to such a government; as, the Federal Constitution; a Federal officer. (c) Friendly or devoted to such a government; as, the Federal party. see Federalist.
Federal Congress. See under Congress.