levee1
/
ˈlɛvi,
ˈlɛveɪ/
n.
N. Amer. a formal reception of visitors or guests.
▸historical an afternoon assembly for men held by the British monarch or their representative.
Etymology
C17 (denoting a reception of visitors on rising from bed): from Fr. levé, var. of lever ‘rising’, from the verb lever.
levee2
/
ˈlɛvi,
lɪˈviː/
n.
- an embankment built to prevent the overflow of a river.
▸a ridge of sediment deposited naturally alongside a river.
- N. Amer. a landing place; a quay.
Etymology
C18 (orig. US): from Fr. levée, fem. past part. of lever ‘to lift’.
