from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Champlev'e \Champ`le*v['e]"\, a. [F., p. p. of champlever to
engrave. See 3d {Champ}, {Camp}, {Lever} a bar.] (Art)
Having the ground engraved or cut out in the parts to be
enameled; inlaid in depressions made in the ground; -- said
of a kind of enamel work in which depressions made in the
surface are filled with enamel pastes, which are afterward
fired; also, designating the process of making such enamel
work. -- n. A piece of champlev['e] enamel; also, the process
or art of making such enamel work; champlev['e] work.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]