Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AL-LI'ANCE, n. [Fr. alliance, from allier, lier, to tie or unite, from L. ligo; Gr. λυγοω; Sp. alianza; Port. aliança; It. alleanza; from the same root as liege, league, allegiance. Class Lg.]

1. The relation or union between families, contracted by marriage. – Dryden.
2. The union between nations, contracted by compact, treaty or league.
3. The treaty, league, or compact, which is the instrument of confederacy; sometimes perhaps the act of confederating.
4. Any union or connection of interests between persons families, states or corporations; as, an alliance between church and state.
5. The persons or parties allied; as, men or states may secure any alliances in their power. – Addison.