Level (l&ebreve_;v&ebreve_;l), 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.] 1. 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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2. 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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3. 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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4. 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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5. 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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6. (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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7. 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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Level, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leveled (-&ebreve_;ld) or Levelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Leveling or Levelling.] 1. 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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2. 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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3. 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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4. 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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5. 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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