-militia-

n. [ L., military service, soldiery, fr. miles, militis, soldier: cf. F. milice. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The king's captains and soldiers fight his battles, and yet . . . the power of the militia is he. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Military service; warfare. [ Obs. ] Baxter. [ 1913 Webster ]