ˈlevɪ v. & n. --v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 a
impose (a rate or toll). b
raise (contributions or taxes). c (also absol.) raise (a
sum of money) by
legal execution or process (the
debt was levied on
the debtor's goods). d
seize (goods) in
this way. e
extort (levy blackmail). 2
enlist or
enrol (troops etc.). 3 (usu. foll. by
upon, against)
wage,
proceed to
make (war). --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a the collecting of a
contribution,
tax,
etc., or of
property to
satisfy a legal
judgement. b a contribution, tax, etc., levied. 2 a the
act or an
instance of enrolling troops etc. b (in pl.)
men enrolled. c a
body of men enrolled. d the
number of men enrolled. øøleviable adj. [ME f. OF levee fem.
past part. of
lever f. L levare raise f.
levis light]