from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Levee \Lev"ee\ (l[e^]v"[-e]; often l[e^]v*[=e]" in U. S.), n.
[F. lever, fr. lever to raise, se lever to rise. See {Lever},
n.]
1. The act of rising. " The sun's levee." --Gray.
[1913 Webster]
2. A morning assembly or reception of visitors, -- in
distinction from a {soir['e]e}, or evening assembly; a
{matin['e]e}; hence, also, any general or somewhat
miscellaneous gathering of guests, whether in the daytime
or evening; as, the president's levee.
[1913 Webster]
Note: In England a ceremonious day reception, when attended
by both ladies and gentlemen, is called a
{drawing-room}.
[1913 Webster]