Also 7 levellism, 8 levillism. [f. LEVEL a. or v. + -ISM.] The principle of levelling distinctions in society. In early use spec. the principles advocated by the ‘Levellers.’
1659. Democritus turned Statesm., in Harl. Misc. (1810), VI. 194. This day a Republican, to-morrow what you please; a favourer of Levellism [etc.].
1708. S. Sewall, Diary, 15 Jan. (1879), II. 210. He speaks against Levillism, Buying and Selling Men.
1831. Fraser’s Mag., III. 480. We had given sufficient evidence of our ability to grapple with the leviathan of levelism in matters ecclesiastical.
