As used in sections 6E to 6G inclusive, the following words shall have the following meanings:—
''Court'', the supreme judicial court, the appeals court, the superior court, the land court, any probate court and any housing court, and any judge or justice thereof;
''Civil action'', any civil proceeding in any court except those conducted pursuant to chapters one hundred and nineteen, one hundred and twenty-three, chapter one hundred and twenty-three A or chapter two hundred and ten;
''Party'', any person, including any officer or agency of the commonwealth or subdivision thereof, or any authority established by the general court to serve a public purpose.