from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Level \Lev"el\ (l[e^]v"[e^]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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