[ 'ɛʃəlɒn , 'eɪʃ- ]
■ noun
1》 a level or rank in an organization, profession, or society.
2》 Military a formation of troops, ships, aircraft, or vehicles in parallel rows with the end of each row projecting further than the one in front.
■ verb Military arrange in an ~ formation.
Origin
C18: from Fr. échelon , from échelle 'ladder'.