Mi*li"tia (?), n. [L., military service, soldiery, fr.
miles, militis, soldier: cf. F. milice.]
1. 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.
2. Military service; warfare.
[Obs.] Baxter.
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