A tribal or similar ethnic division. In the modern legal sense, the nation of which one is considered a permanent citizen is one's nationality.

Na`tion*al"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Nationalities (#). [Cf. F. nationalit'e.]

1.

The quality of being national, or strongly attached to one's own nation; patriotism.

2.

The sum of the qualities which distinguish a nation; national character.

3.

A race or people, as determined by common language and character, and not by political bias or divisions; a nation.

the fulfillment of his mission is to be looked for in the condition of nationalities and the character of peoples. H. W. Beecher.

4.

Existence as a distinct or individual nation; national unity and integrity.

5.

The state or quality of belonging to or being connected with a nation or government by nativity, character, ownership, allegiance, etc.

 

© Webster 1913.

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