| Echelon 1. (n.) An arrangement of a body of troops when its divisions are drawn up in parallel lines each to the right or the left of the one in advance of it, like the steps of a ladder in position for climbing. Also used adjectively; as, echelon distance. 2. (n.) An arrangement of a fleet in a wedge or V formation. 3. (v. t.) To place in echelon; to station divisions of troops in echelon. 4. (v. i.) To take position in echelon. Thesaurus Entries battle array, caste, class, close formation, condition, deployment, disposition, file, footing, formation, formation flying, hierarchy, open order, order, order of battle, place, position, power structure, precedence, queue, rank, rate, rating, row, sphere, stage, standing, station, status, string, tier |