Cĭ-vĭl'i-ty, n.
n. [Lat. civilitas, Fr. civilité, Pr. civilitat, Sp. civilidad, It. civilità. See Civil.]
Sense 1. The state of society in which the relations and duties of a citizen are recognized and obeyed; a state of civilization. [Obs.]
Monarchies have risen from barbarism to civility, and fallen again to ruin. Davies.
“The gradual departure of all deeper signification from the word civility has obliged the creation of another word—civilization.” Trench.
Sense 2. Civil office; that which belongs to civilization. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
Sense 3. Courtesy of behavior in the treatment of others; politeness; good-breeding.
The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be. Chesterfield.
Sense 4. (pl.) Acts of politeness; courtesies. “The sweet civilities of life.” Dryden.