The Collaborative International Dictionary
National \Na"tion*al\ (?; 277), a. [Cf. F. national.]
Of or pertaining to a nation; common to a whole people or race; public; general; as, a national government, language, dress, custom, calamity, etc.
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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.]