civilities

Civility \Ci*vil"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Civilities}. [L. civilitas: cf.
   F. civilit['e]. 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.]
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            Monarchies have risen from barbarrism to civility,
            and fallen again to ruin.             --Sir J.
                                                  Davies.
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            The gradual depature of all deeper signification
            from the word civility has obliged the creation of
            another word -- civilization.         --Trench.
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   2. A civil office, or a civil process [Obs.]
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            To serve in a civility.               --Latimer.
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   3. Courtesy; politeness; kind attention; good breeding; a
      polite act or expression.
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            The insolent civility of a proud man is, if
            possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be.
                                                  --Chesterfield.
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            The sweet civilities of life.         --Dryden.

   Syn: Urbanity; affability; complaisance.
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