level, theodolite, instrument giving a line parallel to the horizon

gaze, stare, fixed look, anxious look

to gaze steadfastly (at), to keep staring intently, to stare (at), to regard with a fixed look, to stand or continue gazing or peeping (at)

tie to the tripod for flogging

objecting and hindering, questioning, hinder

mean men, people of low status, worthless persons

to sell very cheap

very poor, penniless, needy of even one penni