a. [ L. foedus league, treaty, compact; akin to fides faith: cf. F. fédéral. see Faith. ] 1. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Romans compelled them, contrary to all federal right, . . . to part with Sardinia. Grew. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Federal Congress. See under Congress. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. See Federalist. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. fédéralisme. ] The principles of Federalists or of federal union. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. fédéraliste. ] An advocate of confederation; specifically (Amer. Hist.), a friend of the Constitution of the United States at its formation and adoption; a member of the political party which favored the administration of president Washington. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Federalized p. pr. & vb. n. Federalizing ] [ Cf. F. fédéraliser. ] To unite in compact, as different States; to confederate for political purposes; to unite by or under the Federal Constitution. Barlow. [ 1913 Webster ]

prop. n. A federally chartered corporation that purchases and resells mortgages. [ acron. ]
Syn. -- FNMA, Fannie Mae. [ WordNet 1.5 ]