loyal
/ˈlɔɪəl
/adjective
Giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution: he remained loyal to the government loyal service...
- Followers electing a king were also proclaiming themselves as his loyal supporters.
- Don't get me wrong, that's not meant as a criticism of those loyal fans who turned up to watch the game.
- Many of his most loyal backers have now left the Commons and, at 65, his age is now an issue.
Synonyms
faithful, true, true-hearted, tried and true, true-blue, devoted;
constant, steadfast, fast, staunch, dependable, reliable, trusted, trustworthy, trusty, dutiful, unchanging, unwavering, unswerving, dedicated, committed, firm, stable, steady, unfailing;
patriotic
Origin
Mid 16th century: from French, via Old French loial from Latin legalis (see legal).
law from Old English:
The words legacy (Late Middle English), legal (Late Middle English), legitimate (Late Middle English), and loyal (early 16th century) all descend from Latin lex ‘law’, the source also of law. The phrase law and order is found from the late 16th century. It was Charles Dickens who first said the law is an ass, or rather his character Mr Bumble did in Oliver Twist: ‘“If the law supposes that,” said Mr Bumble…“the law is a ass…a idiot.”’ See also jungle