union

n.
1 a the act or an instance of uniting; the state of being united. b (the Union) hist. the uniting of the English and Scottish crowns in 1603, of the English and Scottish parliaments in 1707, or of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801.
2 a a whole resulting from the combination of parts or members. b a political unit formed in this way, esp. the US, the UK, the USSR, or South Africa.
3 = trade union.
4 marriage, matrimony.
5 concord, agreement (lived together in perfect union).
6 (Union) a a general social club and debating society at some universities and colleges. b the buildings or accommodation of such a society.
7 Math. the totality of the members of two or more sets.
8 Brit. hist. a two or more parishes consolidated for the administration of the poor laws. b (in full union workhouse) a workhouse erected by this.
9 Brit. an association of independent (esp. Congregational or Baptist) churches for purposes of cooperation.
10 a part of a flag with a device emblematic of union, normally occupying the upper corner next to the staff.
11 a joint or coupling for pipes etc.
12 a fabric of mixed materials, e.g. cotton with linen or silk.
Phrases and idioms:
union-bashing Brit. colloq. active opposition to trade unions and their rights. union catalogue a catalogue of the combined holdings of several libraries. union down (of a flag) hoisted with the union below as a signal of distress. Union Jack (or flag) the national ensign of the United Kingdom formed by the union of the crosses of St George, St Andrew, and St Patrick. union jack (in the US) a jack consisting of the union from the national flag. union shop a shop, factory, trade, etc., in which employees must belong to a trade union or join one within an agreed time. union suit US a single undergarment for the body and legs; combinations.
Etymology: ME f. OF union or eccl.L unio unity f. L unus one