civil

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   of or in a condition of social order

   civil peoples

2. 2
   adj

   (of divisions of time) legally recognized in ordinary affairs of life

   the civil calendar

3. 3
   adj

   applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military

   civil authorities

4. 4
   adj

   of or relating to or befitting citizens as individuals

   civil rights

5. 5
   adj

   of or occurring within the state or between or among citizens of the state

   civil affairs

6. 6
   adj

   Having to do with people and government office as opposed to the military or religion.

   She went into civil service because she wanted to help the people.

7. 7
   adj

   Behaving in a reasonable or polite manner; avoiding displays of hostility.

   It was very civil of him to stop the argument.

8. 8
   adj

   In a peaceful and well-ordered state.

   Herein thou haſt done good ſeruice to thy country: VVere all inhumaine ſlaues ſo ſerued as he, England would be ciuill, and from all ſuch dealings free.

Etymology

From Middle English cyvyl, civil, borrowed from Old French civil, from Latin cīvīlis (“relating to a citizen”), from cīvis (“citizen”). Cognate with Old English hīwen (“household”), hīrǣden (“family”). More at hind; hird. (polite): Compare typologically urbane (<< Latin urbs), courteous (akin to court).