\Rez`-de-chaus`s['e]e"\, n. [F., lit., level of
the street. See {Raze}, v. t., and {Causey}.] (Arch.)
The ground story of a building, either on a level with the
street or raised slightly above it; -- said esp. of buildings
on the continent of Europe.
      Tier above tier of neat apartments rise over the little
      shops which form the rez-de-chauss['e]e. --The Century.