Definition of civilian

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< civil engineer

civilianize >

ci·vil·ian    (s-vlyn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A person following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member of the military or police.
2. A specialist in Roman or civil law.

ADJECTIVE:

Of or relating to civilians or civil life; nonmilitary: civilian clothes; a civilian career.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, civil law judge, from Old French civilien, from civil, civil, from Latin cvlis ; see civil