militia

Definition

An army of trained civilians, which may be an official reserve army, called upon in time of need, the entire able-bodied population of a state which may also be called upon, or a private force not under government control.

Etymology

From Latin mīlitia (“army, military force/service”), from mīles (“soldier”). Doublet of militsia. The use of "militia" rather than "police" to refer to the police force (of Belarus and some other countries) originated in the USSR.

Example Sentences

• "He coasts down to a dead stop in the middle of the channel, makes a scan for militia men and wireheads, and finds none."