v. & n.
--v.tr. (-ies, -ied)
1. a impose (a rate or toll). b raise (contributions or taxes). c (also absol.) raise (a sum of money) by legal execution or process (the debt was levied on the debtor's goods). d seize (goods) in this way. e extort (levy blackmail).
2 enlist or enrol (troops etc.).
3 (usu. foll. by upon, against) wage, proceed to make (war).
--n. (pl. -ies)
1. a the collecting of a contribution, tax, etc., or of property to satisfy a legal judgement. b a contribution, tax, etc., levied.
2 a the act or an instance of enrolling troops etc. b (in pl.) men enrolled. c a body of men enrolled. d the number of men enrolled.
Derivatives:
leviable adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF levee fem. past part. of lever f. L levare raise f. levis light