Levy — Defs

01 n. A name formerly given in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia to the Spanish real of one eighth of a dollar (or 12<frac:1_2/ cents), valued…

pl. Levies ((-ĭz))

1.
A name formerly given in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia to the Spanish real of one eighth of a dollar (or 12<frac:1_2/ cents), valued at eleven pence when the dollar was rated at 7s. 6d.

02 n. The act of levying or collecting by authority; as, the levy of troops, taxes, etc.

1.
The act of levying or collecting by authority; as, the levy of troops, taxes, etc.
“A levy of all the men left under sixty.” — Thirlwall.
2.
That which is levied, as an army, force, tribute, etc.
3.
The taking or seizure of property on executions to satisfy judgments, or on warrants for the collection of taxes; a collecting by execution.(Law)

Phrases & compounds

Levy in mass — a requisition of all able-bodied men for military service.

03 v. t. To raise, as a siege.

imp. & p. p. Levied; p. pr. & vb. n. Levying

1.
To raise, as a siege.[Obs.]
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.
To gather or exact; as, to levy money.(Law) [Obs.]

Phrases & compounds

To levy a fine — to commence and carry on a suit for assuring the title to lands or tenements.

To levy war — to make or begin war; to take arms for attack; to attack.

04 v. i. To seize property, real or personal, or subject it to the operation of an execution; to make a levy; as, to levy on property; the usual mod…

1.
To seize property, real or personal, or subject it to the operation of an execution; to make a levy; as, to levy on property; the usual mode of levying, in England, is by seizing the goods.

Phrases & compounds

To levy on goods and chattels — to take into custody or seize specific property in satisfaction of a writ.