noun

1. 1. a steplike formation of ships or troops, in which each unit is slightly to the left or right of the one preceding it
   2. a similar formation of aircraft with each step at a higher or lower level
2. any of the units in such a formation
3. a subdivision of a military force, according to position [rear echelon] or to function [command echelon]
4. 1. any of the levels of responsibility or importance in an organization
   2. the persons at one of these levels

Etymology: Fr échelon, ladder rung < échelle < OFr eschelle < L scala, ladder: see scale

transitive verb, intransitive verb