Alliance

The relation or union between persons or families contraeted by intermarriage, In international law. A union or association of twe or more states or nations, formed by league or treaty, for the joint prosecution of a war, or for their mutual assistance and protection in repelling hostile attacks. ‘The league or treaty by whieh the association is formed. The act of confederating, by league or treaty, for the purposes mentioned, lf the alliance is formed for the purpose of mutual aid in the prosecution of a war against a common enemy, it is called an “offensive” allisnee. If it contemplates only the rendition of aid and protection in resisting the assault of a hostile power, it is called a “defensive” alliance. If it combines both these features, it is denominated an allianee “offensive and defensive.” from acollision, 7. 2, the running of two vessels against each other.