1. A level or rank in an organization, profession, or society
   "the lower echelons of society"
    
2. Status in a society or organization
   "the upper echelon"
    
3. (military) a body of troops arranged in a line
   "The echelon formation allowed for flexible tactical manoeuvres"
    
4. A diffraction grating consisting of a pile of plates of equal thickness arranged stepwise with a constant offset
   "The scientist used an echelon to study the spectrum of light"

1. Form or arrange in an echelon
   "The geese echeloned across the sky"

Derived forms: echeloning, echeloned, echelons

Type of: diffraction grating, force, grating, military force, military group, military unit, position, status

Encyclopedia: Echelon, New Jersey