n. (Bot.) Same as Chive. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. civette (cf. It. zibetto) civet, civet cat, fr. LGr. zape`tion, fr. Ar. zubād, zabād, civet. ] 1. A substance, of the consistence of butter or honey, taken from glands in the anal pouch of the civet (Viverra civetta). It is of clear yellowish or brownish color, of a strong, musky odor, offensive when undiluted, but agreeable when a small portion is mixed with another substance. It is used as a perfume. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool) The animal that produces civet (Viverra civetta); -- called also civet cat. It is carnivorous, from two to three feet long, and of a brownish gray color, with transverse black bands and spots on the body and tail. It is a native of northern Africa and of Asia. The name is also applied to other species. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To scent or perfume with civet. Cowper [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L.civicus, fr. civis citizen. See City. ] Relating to, or derived from, a city or citizen; relating to man as a member of society, or to civil affairs. [ 1913 Webster ]

Civic crown (Rom. Antiq.), a crown or garland of oak leaves and acorns, bestowed on a soldier who had saved the life of a citizen in battle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The principle of civil government. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The science of civil government. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. civilian garb as opposed to a military uniform.
Syn. -- civvies. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. [ L. civilis, fr. civis citizen: cf. F. civil. See City. ] 1. Pertaining to a city or state, or to a citizen in his relations to his fellow citizens or to the state; within the city or state. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Subject to government; reduced to order; civilized; not barbarous; -- said of the community. [ 1913 Webster ]

England was very rude and barbarous; for it is but even the other day since England grew civil. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Performing the duties of a citizen; obedient to government; -- said of an individual. [ 1913 Webster ]

Civil men come nearer the saints of God than others; they come within a step or two of heaven. Preston [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Having the manners of one dwelling in a city, as opposed to those of savages or rustics; polite; courteous; complaisant; affable. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ “A civil man now is one observant of slight external courtesies in the mutual intercourse between man and man; a civil man once was one who fulfilled all the duties and obligations flowing from his position as a 'civis' and his relations to the other members of that 'civitas.'” Trench [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Pertaining to civic life and affairs, in distinction from military, ecclesiastical, or official state. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Relating to rights and remedies sought by action or suit distinct from criminal proceedings. [ 1913 Webster ]

Civil action, an action to enforce the rights or redress the wrongs of an individual, not involving a criminal proceeding. --
Civil architecture, the architecture which is employed in constructing buildings for the purposes of civil life, in distinction from military and naval architecture, as private houses, palaces, churches, etc. --
Civil death. (Law.) See under Death. --
Civil engineering. See under Engineering. --
Civil law. See under Law. --
Civil list. See under List. --
Civil remedy (Law), that given to a person injured, by action, as opposed to a criminal prosecution. --
Civil service, all service rendered to and paid for by the state or nation other than that pertaining to naval or military affairs. --
Civil service reform, the substitution of business principles and methods for the spoils system in the conduct of the civil service, esp. in the matter of appointments to office. --
Civil state, the whole body of the laity or citizens not included under the military, maritime, and ecclesiastical states. --
Civil suit. Same as Civil action. --
Civil war. See under War. --
Civil year. See under Year. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ From Civil ] 1. One skilled in the civil law. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ancient civilians and writers upon government. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A student of the civil law at a university or college. R. Graves. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. One whose pursuits are those of civil life, not military or clerical. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A civilian. [ R. ] Warburton. [ 1913 Webster ]