n. The general body of citizens; the inhabitants of a city as opposed to country people, or the mass of people in common life as opposed to the military, etc.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. the body of citizens of a state or country
Word Usage
"Assumption Number Two: If the citizenry is an armed mob, then the forces of government, the police, etc., are always just, fair, and efficient, ready to protect you when trouble comes."