English edit

Etymology edit

pre- +‎ civilization

Noun edit

precivilization (uncountable)

  1. The time prior to civilization.
    • 2008 March 27, Roslyn Sulcas, “Exotica of Brazil in Motion”, in New York Times[1]:
      In “Benguelê” (which refers to slaves’ nostalgic longing for Africa) he makes extensive use of crouching, stooped bodies in a simian, loping walk, arms hanging loosely and head down to suggest tribal dances, rituals, animals, a precivilization.