3. An approximately horizontal line or surface at a certain degree of altitude, or distance from the center
of the earth; as, to climb from the level of the coast to the level of the plateau and then descend to the
level of the valley or of the sea.
After draining of the level in Northamptonshire.
Sir M. Hale.
Shot from the deadly level of a gun.
Shak. 4. Hence, figuratively, a certain position, rank, standard, degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as
in one of several planes of different elevation.
Providence, for the most part, sets us on a level.
Addison.
Somebody there of his own level.
Swift.
Be the fair level of thy actions laid
As temperance wills and prudence may persuade.
Prior. 5. A uniform or average height; a normal plane or altitude; a condition conformable to natural law or which
will secure a level surface; as, moving fluids seek a level.
When merit shall find its level.
F. W. Robertson. 6. (Mech. & Surv.) (a) An instrument by which to find a horizontal line, or adjust something with reference
to a horizontal line. (b) A measurement of the difference of altitude of two points, by means of a level; as,
to take a level.
7. A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in a mine.
Air level, a spirit level. See Spirit level — Box level, a spirit level in which a glass-covered box
is used instead of a tube. — Carpenter's level, Mason's level, either the plumb level or a straight
bar of wood, in which is imbedded a small spirit level. — Level of the sea, the imaginary level from
which heights and depths are calculated, taken at a mean distance between high and low water. —
Line of levels, a connected series of measurements, by means of a level, along a given line, as of a
railroad, to ascertain the profile of the ground. — Plumb level, one in which a horizontal bar is placed
in true position by means of a plumb line, to which it is at right angles. — Spirit level, one in which
the adjustment to the horizon is shown by the position of a bubble in alcohol or ether contained in a
nearly horizontal glass tube, or a circular box with a glass cover. — Surveyor's level, a telescope,
with a spirit level attached, and with suitable screws, etc., for accurate adjustment, the whole mounted
on a tripod, for use in leveling; — called also leveling instrument. — Water level, an instrument to
show the level by means of the surface of water in a trough, or in upright tubes connected by a pipe.
Level
(Lev"el) a.
1. Even; flat; having no part higher than another; having, or conforming to, the curvature which belongs
to the undisturbed liquid parts of the earth's surface; as, a level field; level ground; the level surface of a
pond or lake.
Ample spaces o'er the smooth
And level pavement.
Milton. 2. Coinciding or parallel with the plane of the horizon; horizontal; as, the telescope is now level.
