Pol"i*tic*ly (?), adv. In a politic manner; sagaciously; shrewdly;
artfully. Pope.
Pol"i*tics (?), n. [Cf. F. politique, Gr. &?; (sc.&?;). See Politic.]
1. The science of government; that part of ethics which has to do with
the regulation and government of a nation or state, the preservation of
its safety, peace, and prosperity, the defense of its existence and
rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its
strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their
rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals.
2. The management of a political party; the conduct and contests of
parties with reference to political measures or the administration of
public affairs; the advancement of candidates to office; in a bad
sense, artful or dishonest management to secure the success of
political candidates or parties; political trickery.
When we say that two men are talking politics, we often mean that
they are wrangling about some mere party question.
F. W. Robertson.
Pol"i*tize (?), v. i. To play the politician; to dispute as politicians
do. [Obs.] Milton.
Pol"i*ture (?), n. [L. politura, fr. polire to polish. See Polish, v.]
Polish; gloss. [Obs.] Donne.
Pol"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Polities (#). [L. politia, Gr. &?;: cf. F.
politie. See 1st Policy, Police.] 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.