GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   Level , n. [OE. level, livel, OF. livel, F. niveau, fr. L. libella level, water level, a plumb level, dim. of libra pound, measure for liquids, balance, water poise, level. Cf. Librate, Libella.]
   A line or surface to which, at every point, a vertical or plumb line is perpendicular; a line or surface which is everywhere parallel to the surface of still water; -- this is the true level, and is a curve or surface in which all points are equally distant from the center of the earth, or rather would be so if the earth were an exact sphere.
   1913 Webster
   A horizontal line or plane; that is, a straight line or a plane which is tangent to a true level at a given point and hence parallel to the horizon at that point; -- this is the apparent level at the given point.
   1913 Webster
   An approximately horizontal line or surface at a certain degree of altitude, or distance from the center of the earth; as, to climb from the level of the coast to the level of the plateau and then descend to the level of the valley or of the sea.
   1913 Webster
   After draining of the level in Northamptonshire.
   Sir M. Hale.
   
   1913 Webster
   Shot from the deadly level of a gun.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Hence, figuratively, a certain position, rank, standard, degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as in one of several planes of different elevation.
   1913 Webster
   Providence, for the most part, sets us on a level.
   Addison.
   
   1913 Webster
   Somebody there of his own level.
   Swift.
   
   1913 Webster
   Be the fair level of thy actions laid
   As temperance wills and prudence may persuade.
   Prior.
   
   1913 Webster
   A uniform or average height; a normal plane or altitude; a condition conformable to natural law or which will secure a level surface; as, moving fluids seek a level.
   1913 Webster
   When merit shall find its level.
   F. W. Robertson.
   
   1913 Webster
   (Mech. & Surv.) (a) An instrument by which to find a horizontal line, or adjust something with reference to a horizontal line. (b) A measurement of the difference of altitude of two points, by means of a level; as, to take a level.
   1913 Webster
   A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in a mine.
   1913 Webster
   Air level, a spirit level. See Spirit level (below). -- Box level, a spirit level in which a glass-covered box is used instead of a tube. -- Carpenter's level, Mason's level, either the plumb level or a straight bar of wood, in which is imbedded a small spirit level. -- Level of the sea, the imaginary level from which heights and depths are calculated, taken at a mean distance between high and low water. -- Line of levels, a connected series of measurements, by means of a level, along a given line, as of a railroad, to ascertain the profile of the ground. -- Plumb level, one in which a horizontal bar is placed in true position by means of a plumb line, to which it is at right angles. -- Spirit level, one in which the adjustment to the horizon is shown by the position of a bubble in alcohol or ether contained in a nearly horizontal glass tube, or a circular box with a glass cover. -- Surveyor's level, a telescope, with a spirit level attached, and with suitable screws, etc., for accurate adjustment, the whole mounted on a tripod, for use in leveling; -- called also leveling instrument. -- Water level, an instrument to show the level by means of the surface of water in a trough, or in upright tubes connected by a pipe.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Level , a.
   Even; flat; having no part higher than another; having, or conforming to, the curvature which belongs to the undisturbed liquid parts of the earth's surface; as, a level field; level ground; the level surface of a pond or lake.
   1913 Webster
   Ample spaces o'er the smooth
   And level pavement.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   Coinciding or parallel with the plane of the horizon; horizontal; as, the telescope is now level.
   1913 Webster
   Even with anything else; of the same height; on the same line or plane; on the same footing; of equal importance; -- followed by with, sometimes by to.
   1913 Webster
   Young boys and girls
   Are level now with men; the odds is gone.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Everything lies level to our wish.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Straightforward; direct; clear; open.
   1913 Webster
   A very plain and level account.
   M. Arnold.
   
   1913 Webster
   Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial; as, a level head; a level understanding. [Colloq.]  “ A level consideration.” 
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   (Phonetics) Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection.
   H. Sweet.
   
   1913 Webster
   Level line (Shipbuilding), the outline of a section which is horizontal crosswise, and parallel with the rabbet of the keel lengthwise. -- Level surface (Physics), an equipotential surface at right angles at every point to the lines of force.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

3.       
   Level, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leveled  or Levelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Leveling or Levelling.]
   To make level; to make horizontal; to bring to the condition of a level line or surface; hence, to make flat or even; as, to level a road, a walk, or a garden.
   1913 Webster
   To bring to a lower level; to overthrow; to topple down; to reduce to a flat surface; to lower.
   1913 Webster
   And their proud structures level with the ground.
   Sandys.
   
   1913 Webster
   He levels mountains and he raises plains.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   To bring to a horizontal position, as a gun; hence, to point in taking aim; to aim; to direct.
   1913 Webster
   Bertram de Gordon, standing on the castle wall, leveled a quarrel out of a crossbow.
   Stow.
   
   1913 Webster
   Figuratively, to bring to a common level or plane, in respect of rank, condition, character, privilege, etc.; as, to level all the ranks and conditions of men.
   1913 Webster
   To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as, to level remarks to the capacity of children.
   1913 Webster
   For all his mind on honor fixed is,
   To which he levels all his purposes.
   Spenser.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

4.       
   Level, v. i.
   To be level; to be on a level with, or on an equality with, something; hence, to accord; to agree; to suit. [Obs.]
   1913 Webster
   With such accommodation and besort
   As levels with her breeding.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   To aim a gun, spear, etc., horizontally; hence, to aim or point a weapon in direct line with the mark; fig., to direct the eye, mind, or effort, directly to an object; as, he leveled a gun at the bandit and fired.
   1913 Webster
   The foeman may with as great aim level at the edge of a penknife.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   The glory of God and the good of his church . . . ought to be the mark whereat we also level.
   Hooker.
   
   1913 Webster
   She leveled at our purposes.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster