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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
MILI'TIA, n. [L. from miles, a soldier; Gr. war, to fight, combat, contention. The primary sense of fighting is to strive, struggle, drive, or to strike, to beat, Eng. moil, L. molior; Heb. to labor or toil.] The body of soldiers in a state enrolled for discipline, but not engaged in actual service except in emergencies; as distinguished from regular troops, whose sole occupation is war or military service. The militia of a country are the able bodied men organized into companies, regiments and brigades,with officers of all grades, and required by law to attend military exercises on certain days only, but at other times left to pursue their usual occupations.
In the widest sense, the whole military
force of a nation, including both those engaged in military service
as a business, and those competent and available for such service;
specifically, the body of citizens enrolled for military instruction
and discipline, but not subject to be called into actual service
except in emergencies.
The king's captains and soldiers fight his battles, and yet . . . the power of the militia is he. Jer. Taylor. Military service; warfare.
[Obs.]
Baxter. | ||||||||