\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.