State
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
status, condition of man, is that quality which belongs to man in society, and which secures to him different rights, in consequence of the difference of that quality. Slaves, aliens and citizens exercise rights of a different nature, because they do arises in nature, which marks the differences of sex, age, strength, &c.; it derives its power from the civil or municipal law, when it distinguishes men into citizens, aliens and slaves.
Vide 3 BI. Com. 396.