n.; pl. Civilities [ L. civilitas: cf. F. civilité. See Civil. ] 1. The state of society in which the relations and duties of a citizen are recognized and obeyed; a state of civilization. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Monarchies have risen from barbarrism to civility, and fallen again to ruin. Sir J. Davies. [ 1913 Webster ]

The gradual depature of all deeper signification from the word civility has obliged the creation of another word -- civilization. Trench. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A civil office, or a civil process [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

To serve in a civility. Latimer. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Courtesy; politeness; kind attention; good breeding; a polite act or expression. [ 1913 Webster ]

The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be. Chesterfield. [ 1913 Webster ]

The sweet civilities of life. Dryden.

Syn. -- Urbanity; affability; complaisance. [ 1913 Webster ]