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.
The glory of God and the good of his church . . . ought to be the
mark whereat we also level.
Hooker.
She leveled at our purposes.
Shak.
Lev"el*er (-r), n. [Written also leveller.] 1. One who, or that which,
levels.
2. One who would remove social inequalities or distinctions; a
socialist.
Lev"el*ing, n. [Written also levelling.] 1. The act or operation of
making level.
2. (Surveying) The art or operation of using a leveling instrument for
finding a horizontal line, for ascertaining the differences of level
between different points of the earth's surface included in a survey,
for establishing grades, etc., as in finding the descent of a river, or
locating a line of railroad.
Leveling instrument. See Surveyor's level, under Level, n. -- Leveling
staff, a graduated rod or staff used in connection with a leveling
instrument for measuring differences of level between points.
Lev"el*ism (-z'm), n. The disposition or endeavor to level all
distinctions of rank in society.
Lev"el*ly, adv. In an even or level manner.
Lev"el*ness, n. The state or quality of being level.