Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FED'ER-AL, a. [from L. fœdus, a league, allied perhaps to Eng. wed, Sax. weddian, L. vas, vadis, vador, vadimonium. See Heb. Ch. Syr. עבט, to pledge, Class Bd, No. 25.]

1. Pertaining to a league or contract; derived from an agreement or covenant between parties, particularly between nations. The Romans, contrary to federal right, compelled them to part with Sardinia. – Grew.
2. Consisting in a compact between parties, particularly and chiefly between states or nations; founded on alliance by contract or mutual agreement; as, a federal government, such as that of the United States.
3. Friendly to the constitution of the United States. [See the Noun.]