Allegiance
Etymology
From Anglo-French alegeaunce, from Old French ligeance, from lige "liege" — the bond binding a vassal to his lord. It was later reshaped under the influence of Latin ligare "to bind." Allegiance is the feudal tie of the sworn follower, carried into modern loyalty.
noun · /uh-LEE-juhns/
Committed loyalty and support owed to a person, group, or cause.
What it names
A handle for loyalty that is owed and declared — a bond with the weight of duty behind it, as toward a country, leader, or team.
Example
Switching studios felt less like a job change than a break of allegiance to the people who trained her.
Related idea
Distinct from loyalty: loyalty is a broad personal steadfastness you can feel toward anyone, while allegiance is loyalty formalized and directed to an authority or cause, often publicly pledged. You have loyalty to a friend; you swear allegiance to a flag.