levy en masse

British  

/ ˈlɛvɪ ɒn ˈmæs /

noun

1. Also called: levée en masse.  the conscription of the civilian population in large numbers in the face of impending invasion

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

levy en masse

In accordance with an ancient custom, a blood-red flag waved from all the castles in the kingdom, summoning the people to a levy en masse, or, as it was then called, to a general insurrection.

From The Empire of Austria; Its Rise and Present Power by Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)

In 1803 an actual levy en masse of all men between the ages of seventeen and fifty-five was made.

From Freedom In Service Six Essays on Matters Concerning Britain's Safety and Good Government by Hearnshaw, F. J. C. (Fossey John Cobb)

Raw levies will be of no use, whatever, against the Prussian troops, flushed with victory," Captain Barclay said; "even if they were armed--and where are the arms, for a levy en masse, to come from?

From The Young Franc Tireurs And Their Adventures in the Franco-Prussian War by Young, F. T.

Fellenberg, who had hastily raised a levy en masse, was proscribed; a price was set upon his head, and he was compelled to fly into Germany.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2 "Fairbanks, Erastus" to "Fens" by Various

Why, months ago they had called out by a levy en masse, all who were capable of bearing arms.

From The Continental Monthly, Vol. 5, No. 1, January, 1864 by Various