The AI-powered English dictionary
comparative more civil, superlative most civil
(not comparable) Having to do with people and government office as opposed to the military or religion. quotations examples
A third is wroth: ‘Is this an hourFor private sorrow’s barren song,When more and more the people throngThe chairs and thrones of civil power?’
1850, [Alfred, Lord Tennyson], In Memoriam, London: Edward Moxon, […], canto XXI, page 35
(comparable) Behaving in a reasonable or polite manner; avoiding displays of hostility. examples
(archaic) In a peaceful and well-ordered state. quotations
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.
1593, anonymous author, The Life and Death of Iacke Straw […], Act I
(law) Relating to private relations among citizens, as opposed to criminal matters. examples
Secular. quotations examples
As if our Saviour had said, No man can enter into heaven except he be born again; so as he speaketh not only of notorious Sinners, as Adulterers, Drunkards, Swearers, & c. but of all who are in their natural condition, tho' they live never so unblameably, free from scandalous sins, if they be not born again, their civil Righteousness will do them little good, for they shall never see the Kingdom of God.
1680, A Practical Discourse of Regeneration
The word from which "evil" in Romans 13.4 is translated means "generally opposed to civil goodness or virtue, in a commonwealth, and not to spiritual good, or religion, in the church.
2008, Jerald Finney, God Betrayed, page 174
Some grammarians explain this passage as referring to a civil sanctity, in respect of the children being reckoned legitimate, but in this respect the condition of unbelievers is in no degree worse.
2013, John Calvin, Calvin's Complete Commentary, Volume 7: Acts to Ephesians