a poplin-like fabric having a crosswise corded effect, woven with coarse yarn in the filling direction. Origin of bengaline. 1880-1885.
Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a marketing strategy in which the sales force is compensated not only for sales they generate but also for the sales of the other salespeople that they recruit. This recruited sales force is referred to as the participant's downline, and can provide multiple levels of compensation.
Amway is the prototypical MLM. Usually only the founders of a MLM profit from the scheme. Some MLM's are blatant pyramid schemes, although one can argue all MLM's are fraudulent. Look for MLM ads in bus shelters and on telephone poles at intersections.