noun plural
1. : those rights the enjoyment of which does not involve participation in the establishment, support, or management of the government ; specifically : the rights secured to citizens of the United States by the 13th and 14th amendments to the constitution and certain acts passed by Congress April 9, 1866, May 31, 1870, and March 1, 1875, abolishing the civil incidents of involuntary servitude
2. : rights that guarantee to all citizens equal opportunities (as for employment, schooling, housing, or voting) regardless of race, religion, sex, or national origin