Antedating of "Civilization"

[Fred Shapiro]

civilization (OED, 2., 1775)

1764 William Wood _New-England's Prospect_ 94  As every attempt to
civilize them [the Indians], since the first settlement of this coutnry,
hath proved abortive, if we consider the necessity of this civilization,
previous to Christianity, it will rather appear a Utopian amusement, than
a probable pursuit.

Fred Shapiro


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Fred R. Shapiro                             Editor
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