Dictionary entry

Level (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Lev″el (lĕv″ĕl), a. 1. Even; flat; having no part higher than another; having, or conforming to, the curvature which belongs to the undisturbed liquid parts of the earth's surface; as, a level field; level ground; the level surface of a pond or lake.

Ample spaces o'er the smooth

And level pavement. Milton.

2. Coinciding or parallel with the plane of the horizon; horizontal; as, the telescope is now level.

3. Even with anything else; of the same height; on the same line or plane; on the same footing; of equal importance; — followed by with, sometimes by to.

Young boys and girls

Are level now with men; the odds is gone. 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. “ 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.