[ech.e.lon] n [F echelon, lit., rung of a ladder, fr. OF eschelon, fr. eschele ladder, fr. LL scala] (1796) 1 a (1): an arrangement of a body of troops with its units each somewhat to the left or right of the one in the rear like a series of steps (2): a formation of units or individuals resembling such an echelon (3): a flight formation in which each airplane flies at a certain elevation above or below and at a certain distance behind and to the right or left of the airplane ahead b: any of several military units in echelon formation
2. a: one of a series of levels or grades (as of leadership or responsibility) in an organization or field of activity b: a group of individuals at a particular level or grade in an organization
[2]echelon vt (ca. 1860): to form or arrange in an echelon ~ vi: to take position in an echelon