n. | 1. | (Mil.) An arrangement of a body of troops when its divisions are drawn up in parallel lines each to the right or the left of the one in advance of it, like the steps of a ladder in position for climbing. Also used adjectively; | |||
2. | (Naval) An arrangement of a fleet in a wedge or
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v. t. | 1. | (Mil.) To place in echelon; to station divisions of troops in echelon. | |||
v. i. | 1. | To take position in echelon. |
Noun | 1. | echelon - a body of troops arranged in a line |
2. | echelon - a diffraction grating consisting of a pile of plates of equal thickness arranged stepwise with a constant offset |