civil service

• civil-service

From civil + service.

civil service (plural civil services)

1. In parliamentary forms of government, the branches of government that are not military, legislative, or judicial, but work to apply its laws and regulations.
2. The body of civilian employees of any level of government, not subject to political appointment and removal, normally hired and promoted largely on the basis of competitive examination.

   He's got a steady job in the civil service.

The term civil service may not include certain classes of government employees who are subject to special rules, such as police and other peace officers, fire fighters, and other uniformed services.

• civil servant

• executive