Republic
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
A commonwealth; that form of government in which the administration of affairs is open to all the citizens. In another sense, it signifies the state, independently of its form of government.
1 Toull. n. 28, and n. 202, note.
In this sense, it is used by Ben Jonson. Those that by their deeds make it known, Whose dignity they do sustgin; And life, state, glory, all they gain, Vide Body Politic; Nation; State.