Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Polity
Pol′i-ty
,Noun.
pl.
Polities
(#)
. 1.
The form or constitution of the civil government of a nation or state; the framework or organization by which the various departments of government are combined into a systematic whole.
Blackstone. Hooker.
2.
Hence: The form or constitution by which any institution is organized; the recognized principles which lie at the foundation of any human institution.
Nor is possible that any form of
polity
, much less polity
ecclesiastical, should be good, unless God himself be author of it. Hooker.
3.
Policy; art; management.
[Obs.]
B. Jonson.
Syn. – Policy.
–
Polity
, Policy
. These two words were originally the same. Polity is now confined to the structure of a government; as, civil or ecclesiastical polity; while policy is applied to the scheme of management of public affairs with reference to some aim or result; as, foreign or domestic policy. Policy has the further sense of skillful or cunning management. Webster 1828 Edition
Polity
POL'ITY
,Noun.
Every branch of our civil polity supports and is supported, regulates and is regulated by the rest.
With respect to their interior polity, our colonies are properly of three sorts; provincial establishments, proprietary governments, and charter governments.
This word seems also to embrace legislation and administration of government.
1.
The constitution or general fundamental principles of government of any class of citizens, considered in an appropriate character, or as a subordinate state. Were the whole christian world to revert back to the original model, how far more simple, uniform and beautiful would the church appear,and how far more agreeable to the ecclesiastical polity instituted by the holy apostles.
Definition 2024
polity
polity
English
Noun
polity (plural polities)
- (politics) An organizational structure of the government of a state, church, etc.
- (political science) A politically organized unit; a state.
- Different nations have different forms of polities, from provinces and states to territories and municipalities.
Translations
an organizational structure of the government
politically organized unit