federal Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a member of the Union Army during the American Civil War
Union soldier; Federal soldier.
noun any federal law-enforcement officer
Fed; federal official.
adjective satellite national; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units
- the Federal Bureau of Investigation
- federal courts
- the federal highway program
- federal property
adjective of or relating to the central government of a federation
- a federal district is one set aside as the seat of the national government
adjective satellite being of or having to do with the northern United States and those loyal to the Union during the American Civil War
Union.
- Union soldiers
- Federal forces
- a Federal infantryman
adjective characterized by or constituting a form of government in which power is divided between one central and several regional authorities
- a federal system like that of the United States
- federal governments often evolved out of confederations

L. foedus league, treaty, compact; akin to fides faith: cf. F. fédéral. see Faith.

Pertaining to a league or treaty; derived from an agreement or covenant between parties, especially between nations; constituted by a compact between parties, usually governments or their representatives.
The Romans compelled them, contrary to all federal right, . . . to part with Sardinia. Grew.
Specifically: (a) Composed of states or districts which retain only a subordinate and limited sovereignty, as the Union of the United States, or the Sonderbund of Switzerland. (b) Consisting or pertaining to such a government; as, the Federal Constitution; a Federal officer. (c) Friendly or devoted to such a government; as, the Federal party. see Federalist.