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 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 F. J. C. (Fossey John Cobb) Hearnshaw

Admitted to the bar of the assembly, after making known the assent of the people, they required the arrest of all suspected persons, and a levy en masse of the people.

From History of the French Revolution from 1789 to 1814 by M. (François-Auguste-Marie-Alexis) Mignet

These works were constructed by a general corvee or levy en masse, each family being required to provide one able-bodied man, and the whole of the army was also employed on this public undertaking.

From China by Demetrius Charles Boulger

The levy en masse that took place in the summer of 1793, formed the troops of the Mountain.

From History of the French Revolution from 1789 to 1814 by M. (François-Auguste-Marie-Alexis) Mignet

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 F. T. Young