Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Echelon \Ech"e*lon\ ([e^]sh"e*l[o^]n), n. [F., fr. ['e]chelle
   ladder, fr. L. scala.]
   1. (Mil.) 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. --Upton (Tactics).

   2. (Naval) An arrangement of a fleet in a wedge or V
      formation. --Encyc. Dict.

   {Echelon lens} (Optics), a large lens constructed in several
      parts or layers, extending in a succession of annular
      rings beyond the central lens; -- used in lighthouses.

Echelon \Ech"e*lon\, v. t. (Mil.)
   To place in echelon; to station divisions of troops in
   echelon.

Echelon \Ech"e*lon\, v. i.
   To take position in echelon.

         Change direction to the left, echelon by battalion from
         the right.                               --Upton
                                                  (Tactics).

Source : WordNet®

echelon
     n 1: a body of troops arranged in a line
     2: a diffraction grating consisting of a pile of plates of
        equal thickness arranged stepwise with a constant offset