The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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).
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Naval) An arrangement of a fleet in a wedge or V form.
      --Encyc. Dict.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Echelon \Ech"e*lon\, v. t. (Mil.)
   To place in echelon; to station divisions of troops in
   echelon.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Echelon \Ech"e*lon\, v. i.
   To take position in echelon.
   [1913 Webster]

         Change direction to the left, echelon by battalion from
         the right.                               --Upton
                                                  (Tactics).
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

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

Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:

31 Moby Thesaurus words for "echelon":
   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



U.S. Gazetteer Places (2000):

Echelon, NJ -- U.S. Census Designated Place in New Jersey
   Population (2000):    10440
   Housing Units (2000): 5322
   Land area (2000):     2.835727 sq. miles (7.344500 sq. km)
   Water area (2000):    0.012583 sq. miles (0.032591 sq. km)
   Total area (2000):    2.848310 sq. miles (7.377091 sq. km)
   FIPS code:            19900
   Located within:       New Jersey (NJ), FIPS 34
   Location:             39.848180 N, 74.999503 W
   ZIP Codes (1990):
   Note: some ZIP codes may be omitted esp. for suburbs.
   Headwords:
    Echelon, NJ
    Echelon