Confederation \Con*fed`er*a"tion\, n. [L. confoederatio: cf. F. conf['e]d['e]ration.]

1. The act of confederating; a league; a compact for mutual support; alliance, particularly of princes, nations, or states.

The three princes enter into some strict league and confederation among themselves. --Bacon.

This was no less than a political confederation of the colonies of New England. --Palfrey.

2. The parties that are confederated, considered as a unit; a confederacy.

Articles of confederation. See under Article.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)