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alliance
alliance [ ə l ənss ] (plural alliances)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. association of groups with common aim: an association of groups, people, or nations who agree to cooperate to achieve a common goal
2. forming of alliance: the establishment of or participation in an alliance
3. members of alliance: the nations, people, or groups that make up an alliance
the enemy alliance
4. close relationship: a close relationship, based on similar aims or characteristics
the first university to emphasize research in alliance with teaching
5. marriage: a marriage uniting family interests
an alliance between the king's daughter and the emperor
[13th century. < Old French aliance< alier 'to ally' (see ally)]
Encarta® World English Dictionary [World English Edition] © & (P)2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
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