levant

¹

[ li-vant ]

verb (used without object)

, British Slang.

1. to leave secretly or hurriedly to avoid paying debts.

Levant

²

[ li-vant ]

noun

1. the lands bordering the E shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
2. Also called Levant morocco. a superior grade of morocco having a large and prominent grain, originally made in the Levant.

levant

¹

/ lɪˈvænt /

verb

1. intr to bolt or abscond, esp to avoid paying debts

levant

²

/ lɪˈvænt /

noun

1. a type of leather made from the skins of goats, sheep, or seals, having a pattern of irregular creases

Levant

³

/ lɪˈvænt /

noun

1. the Levant
   the Levant a former name for the area of the E Mediterranean now occupied by Lebanon, Syria, and Israel

Levant

1. Name for the nations on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea : Cyprus , Egypt (see also Egypt ), Israel , Lebanon , Syria , and Turkey .

Other Words From

• le·vanter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of levant¹

1750–60; perhaps < Spanish levantar to lift (Compare levantar el campo to break camp, leave), frequentative of levar < Latin levāre

Origin of levant²

1490–1500; earlier levaunt < Middle French levant, noun use (with reference to rising sun) of present participle of lever to raise ( se lever to rise). See lever

Word History and Origins

Origin of levant¹

C18: perhaps from Spanish levantar ( el campo ) to break (camp)

Origin of levant²

C19: shortened from Levant morocco (type of leather)

Origin of levant³

C15: from Old French, from the present participle of lever to raise (referring to the rising of the sun in the east), from Latin levāre

Example Sentences

The latter collection coincides with the Muslim conquest of the Levant.

From Realm of History

However, when the Egyptians tussled with the more heavily-armored enemies from the Near East and the Levant, the archers played their supporting role in the encounters.

From Realm of History

These native rulers, in turn, proceeded on to conquer regions and retained vassals beyond the traditional boundaries of the kingdom, including ancient Nubia, Levant, and Syria.

From Realm of History

To that end, the Bahri Mamluks are often credited with stopping the Mongol onslaught into the Middle East and the Levant.

From Realm of History

For example, the Sultan’s personal Mamluks were probably equipped with the finest arms and armor, sourced from the upscale workshops situated in the largest cities of Egypt and the Levant.

From Realm of History

As uncovered by the climate blog desmogblog, the Ethical Oil meme dates to a 2010 book by Ezra Levant.

From The Daily Beast

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, joining in the chorus, severely berates Tehran for its role in the Levant.

From The Daily Beast

An easing of tensions between al Qaeda and ISIS presents dangers for America in its military campaign in the Levant.

From The Daily Beast

The Levant is already a far cry from the cosmopolitan melting pot it once was.

From The Daily Beast

What future crises are we now creating in Gaza and the Levant?

From The Daily Beast

The English merchants trading to the Levant surrendered their patent to the king.

From Project Gutenberg

This was a disquieting discovery, and Matt thought that if he could levant without being seen it would be well for him to do so.

From Project Gutenberg

The Constitution now found herself opposite the Levant and poured a broadside into her hull.

From Project Gutenberg

Next she pushed ahead again and pounded the Levant till that lively little craft turned and ran.

From Project Gutenberg

For three hours the three big frigates hotly chased the Constitution and Levant, but let the Cyane go.

From Project Gutenberg