n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a system in which grades or classes of status or authority are ranked one above the other (ranks third in the hierarchy). b the hierarchical system (of government, management, etc.). 2 a priestly government. b a priesthood organized in grades. 3 a each of the three divisions of angels. b the angels. hierarchic adj. hierarchical adj. hierarchism n. hierarchize v.tr. (also -ise).
[ ME f. OF ierarchie f. med.L (h)ierarchia f. Gk hierarkhia (as HIERARCH) ]