from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Leverage \Lev"er*age\ (l[e^]v"[~e]r*[asl]j or
l[=e]"v[~e]r*[asl]j), n.
The action of a lever; mechanical advantage gained by the
lever.
[1913 Webster]
{Leverage of a couple} (Mech.), the perpendicular distance
between the lines of action of two forces which act in
parallel and opposite directions.
{Leverage of a force}, the perpendicular distance from the
line in which a force acts upon a body to a point about
which the body may be supposed to turn.
[1913 Webster]