loyal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective steadfast in allegiance or duty
    • loyal subjects
    • loyal friends stood by him
  2. adjective inspired by love for your country
    patriotic.
  3. adjective satellite unwavering in devotion to friend or vow or cause
    firm; truehearted; fast.
    • a firm ally
    • loyal supporters
    • the true-hearted soldier...of Tippecanoe"- Campaign song for William Henry Harrison
    • fast friends

WordNet

Loy"al adjective
Etymology
F. loyal, OF. loial, leial, L. legalis, fr. lex, legis, law. See Legal, and cf. Leal.
Definitions
  1. Faithful to law; upholding the lawful authority; faithful and true to the lawful government; faithful to the prince or sovereign to whom one is subject; unswerving in allegiance.
    Welcome, sir John ! But why come you in arms ? - To help King Edward in his time of storm, As every loyal subject ought to do. Shak.
  2. True to any person or persons to whom one owes fidelity, especially as a wife to her husband, lovers to each other, and friend to friend; constant; faithful to a cause or a principle.
    Your true and loyal wife. Shak.
    Unhappy both, but loyaltheir loves. Dryden.

Webster 1913