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plural civilians
A person following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member of the armed forces. quotations examples
An army never can be commanded or controlled by civilians.
1858, Prince George, letter to Sir Colin Campbell
(informal) A person who does not belong to a particular group or engage in a particular activity, an outsider. quotations examples
I have this vision one day that I'll walk amongst you a regular civilian.
2013, Eminem, “The Monster”, in The Marshall Mathers LP 2
One skilled in civil law. quotations examples
Ancient civilians and writers upon government.
1724, Jonathan Swift, “Drapier's Letters”, in 4
A student of civil law at a university or college. quotations examples
although he kept his name in the college books, and changed his commoner gown to that of a civilian, yet he had now, I believe, no thoughts of proceeding to any degree; and seldom resided in college any more
1788, Richard Graves, Recollection of Some Particulars in the Life of the Late William Shenstone
not comparable
Not related to the military, police or other governmental professions. examples