Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - allegiance

 noun  Etymology: Middle English aligeaunce, from Anglo-French allegeance, alteration of ligeance, from lige liege  Date: 14th century  1.  a. the obligation of a feudal vassal to his liege lord  b.  (1) the fidelity owed by a subject or citizen to a sovereign or government  (2) the obligation of an alien to the government under which the alien resides  2. devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause  Synonyms: see fidelity  • allegiant adjective