2. Devotion; loyalty; as, allegiance to science.
Usage: {Allegiance}, {Loyalty}. These words agree in
expressing the general idea of fidelity and attachment
to the ``powers that be.'' Allegiance is an obligation
to a ruling power. Loyalty is a feeling or sentiment
towards such power. Allegiance may exist under any
form of government, and, in a republic, we generally
speak of allegiance to the government, to the state,
etc. In well conducted monarchies, loyalty is a
warm-hearted feeling of fidelity and obedience to the
sovereign. It is personal in its nature; and hence we
speak of the loyalty of a wife to her husband, not of
her allegiance. In cases where we personify, loyalty
is more commonly the word used; as, loyalty to the
constitution; loyalty to the cause of virtue; loyalty
to truth and religion, etc.
Hear me, recreant, on thine allegiance hear me!
--Shak.
So spake the Seraph Abdiel, faithful found, . .
. Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified, His loyalty
he kept, his love, his zeal. --Milton.