What is "to elevate a piece"

Elevate \El"e*vate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Elevated; p. pr. & vb. n. Elevating.] [L. elevatus, p. p. of elevare; e + levare to lift up, raise, akin to levis light in weight. See Levity.]

1. To bring from a lower place to a higher; to lift up; to raise; as, to elevate a weight, a flagstaff, etc.

2. To raise to a higher station; to promote; as, to elevate to an office, or to a high social position.

3. To raise from a depressed state; to animate; to cheer; as, to elevate the spirits.

4. To exalt; to ennoble; to dignify; as, to elevate the mind or character.

5. To raise to a higher pitch, or to a greater degree of loudness; -- said of sounds; as, to elevate the voice.

6. To intoxicate in a slight degree; to render tipsy. [Colloq. & Sportive] ``The elevated cavaliers sent for two tubs of merry stingo.''
   --Sir W. Scott.

7. To lessen; to detract from; to disparage. [A Latin meaning] [Obs.]
   --Jer. Taylor.

   To elevate a piece (Gun.), to raise the muzzle; to lower the breech.

   Syn: To exalt; dignify; ennoble; erect; raise; hoist; heighten; elate; cheer; flush; excite; animate.