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

The Governor has issued a second proclamation, demanding a levy en masse.

From Project Gutenberg

No belligerent has the right to declare that he will treat every captured man in arms, of a levy en masse, as a brigand or bandit.

From Project Gutenberg

Exclusive of Landwehr and levies en masse, there are now a million trained men in arms against Napoleon.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

A levy en masse of all males between the ages of eighteen and fifty was summoned by the Governor, "to destroy and exterminate those most barbarous and treacherous savages, who for the moment are formidable."

From Project Gutenberg