Con*fed"er*a*cy (?), n.; pl. Confederacies (#). [From Confederate, a.]
1.
A league or compact between two or more persons, bodies of men, or states, for mutual support or common action; alliance.
The friendships of the world are oft
Confederacies in vice or leagues of pleasure.
Addison.
He hath heard of our confederacy.
Shak.
Virginia promoted a confederacy.
Bancroft.
2.
The persons, bodies, states, or nations united by a league; a confederation.
The Grecian common wealth, . . . the most heroic confederacy that ever existed.
Harris.
Virgil has a whole confederacy against him.
Dryden.
3. (Law)
A combination of two or more persons to commit an unlawful act, or to do a lawful act by unlawful means. See Conspiracy.
Syn. -- League; compact; alliance; association; union; combination; confederation.
© Webster 1913
Con*fed"er*a*cy, n. (Amer. Hist.)
With the, the Confederate States of America.
© Webster 1913