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

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

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

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)

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

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

The basis was the national will, expressed in the volunteers and the levy en masse.

From Britain at Bay by Wilkinson, Spenser