noun: (historical) The medieval kingdom of Alans (proto-Ossetians) that flourished in Northern Caucasus, roughly in the location of latter-day Circassia and modern North Ossetia-Alania, from the 8th or 9th century until 1238-39. Its capital was Maghas, and it controlled a vital trade route through the Darial Pass.
noun: (colloquial) North Ossetia-Alania, federal subject of Russia.
