An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. A definite course of action adopted for the sake of expediency, facility, etc.
   

2. A course of action adopted and pursued by a government, ruler, political party, etc. (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): M.E. policie “government, civil administration,”
from O.Fr. policie “political organization, civil administration,” from L.L. politia “the state, civil administration,” from Gk. politeia “state, administration, government, citizenship,” from polites “citizen,” from polis “city, state.”

Etymology (PE): Kârâh, contraction of kâr râh, or râh-e kâr literally “way of doing, ~ ~ action,” from râh, → way, + kâr “doing, action, → work.”