con·fed·er·a·cy / kənˈfedərəsē/ • n. (pl. -cies) a league or alliance, esp. of confederate states. ∎  (the Confederacy) another term for Confederate States of America. ∎  an alliance formed for an unlawful purpose; a conspiracy.

CONFEDERACY

The association or banding together of two or more persons for the purpose of committing an act or furthering an enterprise that is forbidden by law, or that, though lawful in itself, becomes unlawful when made the object of the confederacy. More commonly called a conspiracy. The union of two or more independent states for the purpose of common safety or a furtherance of their mutual goals.

Confederacy

a combination of persons, of states or nations. See also alliance, league.

Example: confederacy of Dunces.