National \Na"tion*al\ (?; 277), a. [Cf. F. national.]

1. Of or pertaining to a nation; common to a whole people or race; public; general; as, a national government, language, dress, custom, calamity, etc.

2. Attached to one's own country or nation.

National anthem, a popular song or hymn which has become by general acceptance the recognized musical expression of the patriotic sentiment of a nation; as, ``God save the King'' is called the national anthem of England.

National bank, the official common name of a class of banking corporations established under the laws of the United States.

National flag. See under Flag.

National guard, a body of militia, or a local military organization, as in Paris during the French Revolution, or as certain bodies of militia in other European countries and in the United States.

National salute, a salute consisting of as many guns as there are States in the Union. [U.S.]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)