civilian

Etymology

From Middle English cyvylien, from Old French civilien. Equivalent to civil + -ian.

noun

1. A person following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member of the armed forces.
   An army never can be commanded or controlled by civilians. 1858, Prince George, letter to Sir Colin Campbell
   Three civilians were apprehended by the soldiers and taken away in a military vehicle.
2. (informal) A person who does not belong to a particular group or engage in a particular activity, an outsider.
   I have this vision one day that I'll walk amongst you a regular civilian. 2013, Eminem, “The Monster”, in The Marshall Mathers LP 2
   The bathroom was for employees only, so civilians weren't allowed to use it.
3. One skilled in civil law.
   Ancient civilians and writers upon government. 1724, Jonathan Swift, “Drapier's Letters”, in 4
4. A student of civil law at a university or college.
   although he kept his name in the college books, and changed his commoner gown to that of a civilian, yet he had now, I believe, no thoughts of proceeding to any degree; and seldom resided in college any more 1788, Richard Graves, Recollection of Some Particulars in the Life of the Late William Shenstone

adj

1. Not related to the military, police or other governmental professions.
   The three detainees were actually army defectors wearing civilian clothing.
   He worked as a civilian journalist for ten years before being employed by the public broadcaster.