1. n.1 archaic or US an assembly of visitors or guests, esp. at a formal reception.
2 hist. (in the UK) an assembly held by the sovereign or sovereign's representative at which men only were received.
3 hist. a reception of visitors on rising from bed.
Etymology: F lev{eacute} var. of lever rising f. lever to rise: see LEVY 2. n. US 1 an embankment against river floods.
2 a natural embankment built up by a river.
3 a landing-place, a quay.
Etymology: F lev{eacute}e fem. past part. of lever raise: see LEVY