Etimology
From French fédéral, from Latin stem foeder- of foedus (“covenant, league, treaty, alliance”).
adjective
federal (not comparable)
Pertaining to a league or treaty; derived from an agreement or covenant between parties, especially between nations.
Pertaining to the national government level in a federal nation, as opposed to state, provincial, county, city, or town.
(slang) Intrusive; airing out another's personal affairs.
Examples
Yet the Romans, taking them [the Carthaginians] at an Advantage, vvhen they vvere in Streights; compell'd them, contrary to all Fœderal Right and Juſtice, by Nevv Articles, both to part with Sardinia, their Lavvful Territory, and alſo to pay them for the future, a Double Tribute.
noun
federal (plural federals)
a federal agent
A supporter of federation.
Related words
synonyms
fed (noun)