CIVIL State, in the British polity, one of the general divisions of the LAW, comprehending all orders of men, from the highest nobleman to the meanest peasant, that are not included under the MILITARY or MARTIME states; though it may sometimes include individuals of these as well as of the CLERGY; since a nobleman, a knight, a gentleman, or a peasant, may become either a divine, a soldier, or a seaman. The division of this state is into NOBILITY and COMMONALTY. See these articles.