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

If his country is fighting by a levy en masse for her very existence, he aids her by depreciating her paper, so that he may accumulate fabulous amounts with little outlay.

From Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry by Pike, Albert

General Johnston, therefore, determined upon a levy en masse in his department.

From The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government by Davis, Jefferson

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 Boulger, Demetrius Charles

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

The king, Ysiaslaf, called for a levy en masse, of the inhabitants of Kief, summoned distant feudal barons with their armies to his banner, and marched impetuously to meet the conquering foe.

From The Empire of Russia by Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)