polity

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An organized society or state with its own form of government.

   New polities emerged in Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire.

2. 2
   noun

   The way a state or organization is structured and governed.

   Church polity was a topic of fierce dispute in the 17th century.

From Middle French politie, from Latin polītīa, from Ancient Greek πολιτεία (politeía, “polity, policy, the state”). Doublet of police, policy, and polis (“police”).

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