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.
© Webster 1913.
Al*li"ance, v. t.
To connect by alliance; to ally.
[Obs.]
© Webster 1913.