ech·e·lon (ĕsh'ə-lŏn')
n.

1. 1. A formation of troops in which each unit is positioned successively to the left or right of the rear unit to form an oblique or steplike line.
   2. A flight formation or arrangement of craft in this manner.
   3. A similar formation of groups, units, or individuals.
2. A subdivision of a military or naval force: a command echelon.
3. A level of responsibility or authority in a hierarchy; a rank: a job in the company's lower echelon.

tr. & intr.v., -loned, -lon·ing, -lons.
To arrange or take place in an echelon.

[French échelon, from Old French eschelon, rung of a ladder, from eschiele, ladder, from Late Latin scāla, back-formation from Latin scālae, steps, ladder.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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