An association of neighboring states or tribes in ancient Greece

• Established originally to defend a common religious center

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. an association of neighboring states or tribes in ancient Greece; established originally to defend a common religious center

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Amphictyony \Am*phic"ty*o*ny\, n.; pl. Amphictyonies . [Gr. ?.] (Grecian Hist.) A league of states of ancient Greece; esp. the celebrated confederation known as the Amphictyonic Council. Its object was to maintain the common interests of Greece.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. A religious foundation or co-operative shared between Greek city states during the classical period, typically to support the temple or cult of a deity shared by the city states. Also used academically to refer to similar arrangements in non-Greek cultures. ...