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The Gutenberg Webster's Unabridged Dictionary: Section I, J, K, and L · Project Gutenberg — chapter 664 of 826 · ~366 words · public domain

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Shak.

Everything lies level to our wish.

Shak.

4. Straightforward; direct; clear; open.

A very plain and level account.

M. Arnold.

5. Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial; as, a level head; a level understanding. [Colloq.] " A level consideration." Shak.

6. (Phonetics) Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection. H. Sweet.

Level line (Shipbuilding), the outline of a section which is horizontal crosswise, and parallel with the rabbet of the keel lengthwise. -- Level surface (Physics), an equipotential surface at right angles at every point to the lines of force.

Lev"el, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Leveled (-ld) or Levelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Leveling or Levelling.] 1. To make level; to make horizontal; to bring to the condition of a level line or surface; hence, to make flat or even; as, to level a road, a walk, or a garden.

2. To bring to a lower level; to overthrow; to topple down; to reduce to a flat surface; to lower.

And their proud structures level with the ground.

Sandys.

He levels mountains and he raises plains.

Dryden.

3. To bring to a horizontal position, as a gun; hence, to point in taking aim; to aim; to direct.

Bertram de Gordon, standing on the castle wall, leveled a quarrel out of a crossbow.

Stow.

4. Figuratively, to bring to a common level or plane, in respect of rank, condition, character, privilege, etc.; as, to level all the ranks and conditions of men.

5. To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as, to level remarks to the capacity of children.

For all his mind on honor fixed is, To which he levels all his purposes.

Spenser.

Lev"el, v. i. 1. To be level; to be on a level with, or on an equality with, something; hence, to accord; to agree; to suit. [Obs.]

With such accommodation and besort As levels with her breeding.

Shak.

2. To aim a gun, spear, etc., horizontally; hence, to aim or point a weapon in direct line with the mark; fig., to direct the eye, mind, or effort, directly to an object.

The foeman may with as great aim level at the edge of a penknife.

Shak.

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