levy en masse

/ ˈlɛvɪ ɒn ˈmæs /

noun

1. the conscription of the civilian population in large numbers in the face of impending invasion Also calledlevée en masseləve ɑ̃ mas

Example Sentences

And even the whole population of a province may be imprisoned in case a levy en masse is threatening.

From Project Gutenberg

In the latter case one speaks of war rebellion, whether inhabitants take up arms singly or rise in a so-called levy en masse.

From Project Gutenberg

Conquered territory can also be freed through a successful levy en masse.

From Project Gutenberg

Carnot was not discovered, the better men had not risen to command, the levy en masse had not been thought of.

From Project Gutenberg

This, be it noted, is not a case of conscription; it is a levy en masse, taken as a normal condition of life.

From Project Gutenberg