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Leveling   /lˈɛvəlɪŋ/  /lˈɛvlɪŋ/   Listen
noun
Leveling  n.  
1.
The act or operation of making level.
2.
(Surveying) The art or operation of using a leveling instrument for finding a horizontal line, for ascertaining the differences of level between different points of the earth's surface included in a survey, for establishing grades, etc., as in finding the descent of a river, or locating a line of railroad.
Leveling instrument. See Surveyor's level, under Level, n.
Leveling staff, a graduated rod or staff used in connection with a leveling instrument for measuring differences of level between points.



verb
Level  v. t.  (past & past part. leveled or levelled; pres. part. 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.
2.
To bring to a lower level; to overthrow; to topple down; to reduce to a flat surface; to lower. "And their proud structures level with the ground." "He levels mountains and he raises plains."
3.
To bring to a horizontal position, as a gun; hence, to point in taking aim; to aim; to direct. "Bertram de Gordon, standing on the castle wall, leveled a quarrel out of a crossbow."
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.
5.
To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as, to level remarks to the capacity of children. "For all his mind on honor fixed is, To which he levels all his purposes."



Level  v. i.  
1.
To be level; to be on a level with, or on an equality with, something; hence, to accord; to agree; to suit. (Obs.) "With such accommodation and besort As levels with her breeding."
2.
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. "The foeman may with as great aim level at the edge of a penknife." "The glory of God and the good of his church... ought to be the mark whereat we also level." "She leveled at our purposes."






Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48








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"Leveling" Quotes from Famous Books



... noblest and most beautiful wing of the great palace. This edifice, known to contemporaries as the great new palace, comprised a spacious Chapel and Hall of Justice; and in August 9, 1344, contracts were made for cutting away and leveling the rock above the present Rue Peyrolerie, whereon, by October 21, 1351, the masons had raised ...
— Seeing Europe with Famous Authors, Volume 3 • Various

... thronged with the motley population disgorged by the various mills and workshops. Richard felt that every eye was upon him; he was conscious of something wild in his aspect that must needs attract the attention of the passers-by. At each step he half expected the leveling of some accusing finger. The pitiless sunshine seemed to single him out and stream upon him like a calcium light. It was intolerable. He must get away from this jostling crowd, this babel of voices. What ...
— The Stillwater Tragedy • Thomas Bailey Aldrich

... The dangers of democracy were stressed by Gerry of Massachusetts: "All the evils we experience flow from an excess of democracy. The people do not want virtue but are the dupes of pretended patriots.... I have been too republican heretofore but have been taught by experience the danger of a leveling spirit." To the "democratic licentiousness of the state legislatures," Randolph sought to oppose a "firm senate." To check the excesses of popular government Charles Pinckney of South Carolina declared that no one should be elected President who was not ...
— History of the United States • Charles A. Beard and Mary R. Beard

... oath Dan turned in his saddle, giving the horse the head, and leveling his rifle fired ...
— Jim Cummings • Frank Pinkerton

... stood McKay. His dunnage was on his back, his paddle in his hand. And Cassidy, smiling grimly, a dangerous humor in his eyes, was leveling an automatic at his breast. It was, in that instant, a tableau which no man could ever forget. Cassidy was bareheaded, and the sun burned hotly in his red hair. And his face was red, and in the pale blue of his Irish eyes was ...
— The Country Beyond - A Romance of the Wilderness • James Oliver Curwood


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