in a general sense, something regarding the policy, public good, or peace, of the citizens or subjects of the state; in which sense we say civil government, civil law, civil right, civil war, and the like.

Civil, in a popular sense, is applied to a complaisant and humane behaviour in the ordinary intercourse of life. See CIVILITY.

Civil, in a legal sense, is also applied to the ordinary procedure in an action relating to some pecuniary matter or interest; in which sense it is opposed to criminal.

Civil Death, any thing that cuts off a man from civil society; as a condemnation to the galleys, perpetual banishment, condemnation to death, outlawry, and excommunication.