Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AL-LE'GI-ANCE, n. [Old Fr. from L. alligo, of ad and ligo, to bind. See Liege and League.]

The tie or obligation of a subject to his prince or government; the duty of fidelity to a king, government or state. Every native or citizen owes allegiance to the government under which he is born. This is called natural or implied allegiance, which arises from the connection of a person with the society in which he is born, and his duty to be a faithful subject, independent of any express promise. Express allegiance, is that obligation which proceeds from an express promise, or oath of fidelity. Local or temporary allegiance is due from an alien to the government or state in which he resides. – Blackstone.