allegiance
Translation
loyalty, faithfulness, devotion
Examples
Soldiers must swear allegiance to the Crown.
Soldiers must swear allegiance to the Crown.
His allegiance to the team was unquestionable.
His allegiance to the team was unquestionable.
Grammar Patterns
((to sb./sth.)) loyalty to (sb./sth.) Soldiers must swear allegiance to the Crown.
Similar Words
Synonyms: loyalty, fidelity, devotion; Antonyms: treason, treachery
Etymology
From Old French 'ligeance', meaning duty to a feudal lord. The 'al-' was likely added in English through confusion with 'allege'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'a legion's' loyalty. An entire legion pledges its allegiance.