(a) Pertaining to or concerning the spiritual or secular governance of a country or people, political; concerning or associated with public affairs, civic, civil; bodi ~, a political entity, a country or realm; (b) defined by fixed laws rather than depending upon the unlimited will of the ruler, constitutional; also fig.; (c) of rulers, their living, governance: sagacious, prudent; also iron. [quot.: (?c1436)]; (d) of persons, writings, etc.: wise.