federalist

plural federalists · alternative obsolete fœderalist

1. governmentAdvocate of federalism.
2. CanadagovernmentSupporter of the view that the province of Québec should remain within the Canadian federal system; an opponent of Québec‐based separatism or sovereigns.
3. lifestyleA covenantalist.

alternative obsolete fœderalist

1. not comparablegovernmentOf or relating to federalism, or its advocates.

plural Federalists

1. UShistoricalgovernmentA member of the Federalist Party, an 18th- and 19th-century conservative, liberal US political party which was one of two major parties under the First Party System.

   No good Federalist has at present any wish to shake the fair and stately pillars of its fabric, and o'er its lamented ruins to erect the frightful columns of uncouth monarchy.

   1800, Caius, A few remarks on Mr. Hamilton's late letter, concerning the public conduct & character, of the president

   Antonyms: Republican, Democratic-Republican, Antifederalist