~ 1 [ 'lɛvi , 'lɛveɪ ]
■ noun N. Amer. a formal reception of visitors or guests.
↘ historical an afternoon assembly for men held by the British monarch or their representative.
Origin
C17 (denoting a reception of visitors on rising from bed): from Fr. levé , var. of lever 'rising', from the verb lever .
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~ 2 [ 'lɛvi , lɪ'vi: ]
■ noun
1》 an embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river.
↘a ridge of sediment deposited naturally alongside a river.
2》 N. Amer. a landing place; a quay.
Origin
C18 (orig. US): from Fr. levée , feminine past participle of lever 'to lift'.