league

The definition of a league is a union of individuals, nations or groups in order to promote common interests or for protection.

(noun)

An example of league is a basketball team organized through a church that plays against the same set of teams.
An example of league is the League of Nations.

See league in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a compact or covenant made by nations, groups, or individuals for promoting common interests, assuring mutual protection, etc.
an association or alliance of individuals, groups, or nations formed by such a covenant
Sports a group of teams organized to compete against one another
☆ Informal a division according to grade or quality; class

Origin: ME ligg < OFr ligue < It liga < legare, to bind < L ligare: see ligature

transitive verb, intransitive verb leagued, leaguing

to form into a league

noun

a unit of linear measure varying in different times and countries: in English-speaking countries it is usually about 3 statute miles or 3 nautical miles
☆ an old land measure in parts of the U.S. that were formerly Mexican, equal to about 4,400 acres

Origin: ME lege < OFr legue < LL leuga, leuca, Gallic mile < Celt *leuca > OE leowe, mile

See league in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An association of states, organizations, or individuals for common action; an alliance.
Sports An association of teams or clubs that compete chiefly among themselves. Also called loop¹.
A class or level of competition: The ski jump was out of his league.

verb leagued leagued, leagu·ing, leagues

verb, intransitive

To come together in or as if in a league.

verb, transitive

To bring together in or as if in a league.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration (influenced by Italian lega)

Origin: of Middle English liege

Origin: , from Old French ligue

Origin: , from Medieval Latin liga

Origin: and from Old Italian lega, liga (from legare, to bind)

Origin: , both from Latin ligāre, to bind; see leig- in Indo-European roots