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. [ 1913 Webster ] The friendships of the world are oft Confederacies in vice or leagues of pleasure. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] He hath heard of our confederacy. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Virginia promoted a confederacy. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The persons, bodies, states, or nations united by a league; a confederation. [ 1913 Webster ] The Grecian common wealth, . . . the most heroic confederacy that ever existed. Harris. [ 1913 Webster ] Virgil has a whole confederacy against him. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] |