1. Plural of federal; soldiers or supporters of a federal government, especially during the American Civil War.
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to Union forces in the Civil War
2. Plural of federal; agents or officers of the federal government.
Usage: informal

Examples

• The Federals advanced through the valley during the Civil War campaign.
• Local law enforcement coordinated with the federals on the investigation.
• Thousands of Federals were stationed at the fort.
• The federals seized the illegal shipment at the border.
• Confederate forces clashed with the Federals at Gettysburg.
• Several federals arrived to assist with the federal case.