释义 |
al·le·giance \əˈlējən(t)s also aˈ-\ noun also al·le·gian·cy \-nsē, -si\ (-s) Etymology: Middle English alligeaunce, allegeaunce, modification (influenced by Middle English alleggeaunce allegation, from alleggen to allege + -aunce -ance) of Middle French ligeance, from Old French, from lige liege + -ance — more at liege 1. a. : the relation or obligation of a feudal vassal to his liege lord — compare fealty b. (1) : the duty of fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to his sovereign or government (2) : the obligation of an alien to the government under which he resides — see local allegiance, natural allegiance; compare expatriate vi 2. : devotion or loyalty especially to a person, group, or cause entitled to obedience or service and respect < wandered between … his allegiances to political democracy and Marxist economics — Time > < the allegiance of a poet to a specific philosophy — René Wellek > < rival powers compete for our allegiance; we are forever straining to serve two masters — Herbert Agar > Synonyms: see fidelity |