Main Entry: loy·al

Pronunciation: \ˈlȯi(-ə)l\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle French, from Old French leial, leel, from Latin legalis legal

Date: 1531

1 : unswerving in allegiance: as a : faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government b : faithful to a private person to whom fidelity is due c : faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product
2 : showing loyalty
3 obsolete : lawful, legitimate

synonyms see faithful

— loy·al·ly \ˈlȯi-ə-lē\ adverb