lever
    n 1: a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum
    2: a simple machine that gives a mechanical advantage when given
       a fulcrum
    3: a flat metal tumbler in a lever lock [syn: lever, lever
       tumbler]
    v 1: to move or force, especially in an effort to get something
         open; "The burglar jimmied the lock": "Raccoons managed to
         pry the lid off the garbage pail" [syn: pry, prise,
         prize, lever, jimmy]

Lever \Le"ver\ (l[=e]"v[~e]r or l[e^]v"[~e]r; 277), n. [OE.
   levour, OF. leveor, prop., a lifter, fr. F. lever to raise,
   L. levare; akin to levis light in weight, E. levity, and
   perh. to E. light not heavy: cf. F. levier. Cf. Alleviate,
   Elevate, Leaven, Legerdemain, Levee, Levy, n.]
   1. (Mech.) A rigid piece which is capable of turning about
      one point, or axis (the fulcrum), and in which are two or
      more other points where forces are applied; -- used for
      transmitting and modifying force and motion. Specif., a
      bar of metal, wood, or other rigid substance, used to
      exert a pressure, or sustain a weight, at one point of its
      length, by receiving a force or power at a second, and
      turning at a third on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It
      is usually named as the first of the six mechanical
      powers, and is of three kinds, according as either the
      fulcrum F, the weight W, or the power P, respectively, is
      situated between the other two, as in the figures.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Mach.)
      (a) A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece
          to turn it.
      (b) An arm on a rock shaft, to give motion to the shaft or
          to obtain motion from it.
          [1913 Webster]

   Compound lever, a machine consisting of two or more levers
      acting upon each other.

   Lever escapement. See Escapement.

   Lever jack. See Jack, n., 5.

   Lever watch, a watch having a vibrating lever to connect
      the action of the escape wheel with that of the balance.
      

   Universal lever, a machine formed by a combination of a
      lever with the wheel and axle, in such a manner as to
      convert the reciprocating motion of the lever into a
      continued rectilinear motion of some body to which the
      power is applied.
      [1913 Webster]

Lever \Lev"er\ (l[=e]"v[~e]r), a. [Old compar. of leve or lief.]
   More agreeable; more pleasing. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
   [1913 Webster]

   To be lever than. See Had as lief, under Had.
      [1913 Webster]

Lever \Lev"er\, adv.
   Rather. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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         For lever had I die than see his deadly face.
                                                  --Spenser.
   [1913 Webster]