Echelon
Echelon (esh"e*lon) , noun
[French, from échelle ladder, from Latin scala.]
1.
(Military) 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; as, echelon distance. — Upton (Tactics)
2.
(Naval) An arrangement of a fleet in a wedge or V form. — Encyc. Dict
Collocations (1)
Echelon lens (Optics) , a large lens constructed in several parts or layers, extending in a succession of annular rings beyond the central lens; -- used in lighthouses.
Echelon , transitive verb
(Military) To place in echelon; to station divisions of troops in echelon.
Echelon , intransitive verb
To take position in echelon.
Change direction to the left, echelon by battalion from the right.