Part 384

1. One versed or experienced in the science of government; one devoted to politics; a statesman.

While empiric politicians use deceit.

Dryden.

2. One primarily devoted to his own advancement in public office, or to the success of a political party; -- used in a depreciatory sense; one addicted or attached to politics as managed by parties (see Politics, 2); a schemer; an intriguer; as, a mere politician.

Like a scurvy politician, seem To see the things thou dost not.

Shak.

The politician . . . ready to do anything that he apprehends for his advantage.

South.

Pol`i*ti"cian, a. Cunning; using artifice; politic; artful. "Ill-meaning politician lords." Milton.

Po*lit"i*cist (?), n. A political writer. [R.]

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.

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.

Po*litz`er*i*za"tion (?), n. (Med.) The act of inflating the middle ear by blowing air up the nose during the act of swallowing; -- so called from Prof. Politzer of Vienna, who first practiced it.

Pol"ive (?), n. A pulley. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Pol"ka (?), n. [Pol. Polka a Polish woman: cf. F. & G. polka.] 1. A dance of Polish origin, but now common everywhere. It is performed by two persons in common time.

2. (Mus.) A lively Bohemian or Polish dance tune in 2-4 measure, with the third quaver accented.

Polka jacket, a kind of knit jacket worn by women.