Crossword Genius

Polite to Ian, a chap who is not of service (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

civil

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'polite' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for civil that I've seen before include "Polite to the state" , "Nonviolent refusal to obey laws" , "Mannerly" , "Courteous, polite" , "Relating to citizens" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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