ETYM Latin foedus league, treaty, compact; akin to fides faith: cf. French fédéral. see Faith.
1. Of or relating to the central government of a federation.
2. National; especially in reference to the government of the United States as distinct from that of its member units.
3. (Government) Characterized by or constituting a form of government in which power is divided between one central and several regional authorities.

1. A member of the Union Army during the American Civil War; Also called: Federal soldier, Union soldier.
2. Any federal law-enforcement officer; Also called: Fed, federal official.