to levy war

Levy \Lev"y\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Levied} (l[e^]v"[i^]d); p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Levying}.]
   1. To raise, as a siege. [Obs.] --Holland.
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   2. To raise; to collect; said of troops, to form into an army
      by enrollment, conscription, etc.
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            Augustine . . . inflamed Ethelbert, king of Kent, to
            levy his power, and to war against them. --Fuller.
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   3. To raise or collect by assessment; to exact by authority;
      as, to levy taxes, toll, tribute, or contributions.
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            If they do this . . . my ransom, then,
            Will soon be levied.                  --Shak.
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   4. (Law)
      (a) To gather or exact; as, to levy money.
      (b) To erect, build, or set up; to make or construct; to
          raise or cast up; as, to levy a mill, dike, ditch, a
          nuisance, etc. [Obs.] --Cowell. --Blackstone.
      (c) To take or seize on execution; to collect by
          execution.
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   {To levy a fine}, to commence and carry on a suit for
      assuring the title to lands or tenements. --Blackstone.

   {To levy war}, to make or begin war; to take arms for attack;
      to attack.
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