n.
Pronunciation: i- ' sta-blish-m ə nt
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : something established: as a : a settled arrangement especially : a code of laws b : ESTABLISHED CHURCH c : a permanent civil or military organization d : a place of business or residence with its furnishings and staff e : a public or private institution
2 : an established order of society: as a often capitalized : a group of social, economic, and political leaders who form a ruling class (as of a nation) b often capitalized : a controlling group <the literary establishment >
3 a : the act of establishing b : the state of being established