Lev·y, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Levied p. pr. & vb. n. Levying.]
1. To raise, as a siege. [Obs.] --Holland.
2. To raise; to collect; said of troops, to form into an army by enrollment, conscription, etc.
Augustine . . . inflamed Ethelbert, king of Kent, to levy his power, and to war against them. --Fuller.
3. To raise or collect by assessment; to exact by authority; as, to levy taxes, toll, tribute, or contributions.
If they do this . . . my ransom, then,
Will soon be levied. --Shak.
4. Law (a) To gather or exact; as, to levy money. (b) To erect, build, or set up; to make or construct; to raise or cast up; as, to levy a mill, dike, ditch, a nuisance, etc. [Obs.] --Cowell. --Blackstone. (c) To take or seize on execution; to collect by execution.
To levy a fine, to commence and carry on a suit for assuring the title to lands or tenements. --Blackstone.
To levy war, to make or begin war; to take arms for attack; to attack.
levy
n 1: a charge imposed and collected
2: the act of drafting into military service [syn: levy en
masse]
v 1: impose and collect; "levy a fine" [syn: impose]
2: cause to assemble or enlist in the military; "raise an
army"; "recruit new soldiers" [syn: recruit, raise]
[also: levied]