'alliance' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'aliance,' where 'ali-' meant 'to bind' and '-ance' was a suffix indicating action or process.

'aliance' transformed into the Middle English word 'alliaunce,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alliance'.

Initially, it meant 'a binding or joining together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a union or association for mutual benefit'.