Also echellon. [a. F. échelon, f. échelle ladder.]
1. ‘A formation of troops in which the successive divisions are placed parallel to one another, but no two on the same alignement, each division having its front clear of that in advance’ (Stocqueler). Also attrib. In echelon (also Fr. en échelon): drawn up in this manner. Direct, oblique echelon: see quot. 1832. Echelon-lens: see LENS.
1796. Instr. & Reg. Cavalry (1813), 55. The Echellon (or diagonal) changes of position.
1803. Wellington, Mem., in Gurw., Disp., II. 332. The 74th was not in an echellon.
1812. Examiner, 23 Aug., 531/2. The … rear-guard … was perceived drawn up en echellon.
1832. Regul. Instr. Cavalry, III. 46. Direct Echellon—Is when the Line is broken into several parts, moving direct to the front or rear in succession. Oblique Echellon—Is when the Line is broken into several parts by wheels from Line, or Column, less than the quarter circle, so as to be oblique to the former front, and parallel with each other. Ibid., 69. The … Troops … advance in echellon.
1834. Mudie, Brit. Birds (1841), I. 167. If you do not stir, he [raven] will drop down … and begin to hop in an echellon fashion.
2. Used for: One of the divisions of an army marching in echelon.
1808. J. Barlow, Columb., VII. 324. Disposed … all his ardent train, To charge, change front, each echelon sustain.
1862. Guardian, 23 April, 400/2. Each échelon … deployed into line.
