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.
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   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.
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   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.
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   After draining of the level in Northamptonshire.
   Sir M. Hale.
   
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   Shot from the deadly level of a gun.
   Shak.
   
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   Hence, figuratively, a certain position, rank, standard, degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as in one of several planes of different elevation.
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   Providence, for the most part, sets us on a level.
   Addison.
   
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   Somebody there of his own level.
   Swift.
   
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   Be the fair level of thy actions laid
   As temperance wills and prudence may persuade.
   Prior.
   
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   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.
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   When merit shall find its level.
   F. W. Robertson.
   
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   (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.
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   A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in a mine.
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   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.
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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.
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   Ample spaces o'er the smooth
   And level pavement.
   Milton.
   
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   Coinciding or parallel with the plane of the horizon; horizontal; as, the telescope is now level.
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   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.
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   Young boys and girls
   Are level now with men; the odds is gone.
   Shak.
   
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   Everything lies level to our wish.
   Shak.
   
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   Straightforward; direct; clear; open.
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   A very plain and level account.
   M. Arnold.
   
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   Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial; as, a level head; a level understanding. [Colloq.]  “ A level consideration.” 
   Shak.
   
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   (Phonetics) Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection.
   H. Sweet.
   
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   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.
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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.
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   To bring to a lower level; to overthrow; to topple down; to reduce to a flat surface; to lower.
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   And their proud structures level with the ground.
   Sandys.
   
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   He levels mountains and he raises plains.
   Dryden.
   
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   To bring to a horizontal position, as a gun; hence, to point in taking aim; to aim; to direct.
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   Bertram de Gordon, standing on the castle wall, leveled a quarrel out of a crossbow.
   Stow.
   
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   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.
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   To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as, to level remarks to the capacity of children.
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   For all his mind on honor fixed is,
   To which he levels all his purposes.
   Spenser.
   
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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.]
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   With such accommodation and besort
   As levels with her breeding.
   Shak.
   
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   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.
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   The foeman may with as great aim level at the edge of a penknife.
   Shak.
   
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   The glory of God and the good of his church . . . ought to be the mark whereat we also level.
   Hooker.
   
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   She leveled at our purposes.
   Shak.
   
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