levee

lev·ee ¹  (lv)

n.

1. An embankment raised to prevent a river from overflowing.

2. A small ridge or raised area bordering an irrigated field.

3. A landing place on a river; a pier.

tr.v. lev·eed, lev·ee·ing, lev·ees

To provide with a levee.

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[French levée, from Old French levee, from feminine past participle of lever, to raise; see lever.]

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lev·ee ²  (lv, l-v, -v)

n.

1. A reception held, as by royalty, upon arising from bed.

2. A formal reception, as at a royal court.

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[From French lever, a rising, from Old French, from lever, to raise, rise; see lever.]

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levee ¹

Noun

US

1. a natural or artificial river embankment

2. a quay [French, from Latin levare to raise]

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levee ²

Noun

a formal reception held by a sovereign just after rising from bed [French, from Latin levare to raise]

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levee  (lv)

1. A long ridge of sand, silt, and clay built up by a river along its banks, especially during floods.

2. An artificial embankment along a rivercourse or an arm of the sea, built to protect adjoining land from inundation.

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Levee a reception of ten held in the morning; any miscellaneous gathering of guests, 1672.

Example: levees of ministers, 1874.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	levee - a formal reception of visitors or guests (as at a royal court) reception - a formal party of people; as after a wedding
	2.	levee - a pier that provides a landing place on a river pier, wharf, wharfage, dock - a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
	3.	levee - an embankment that is built in order to prevent a river from overflowing embankment - a long artificial mound of stone or earth; built to hold back water or to support a road or as protection