01 v. t. To reclaim from a savage state; to instruct in the rules and customs of civilization; to educate; to refine.
imp. & p. p.
Civilized; p. pr. & vb. n.
Civilizing
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1.
To reclaim from a savage state; to instruct in the rules and customs of civilization; to educate; to refine.“Yet blest that fate which did his arms dispose Her land to civilize, as to subdue.” — Dryden
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2.
To admit as suitable to a civilized state.[Obs. or R.]