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.
Derivatives:
hierarchic adj. hierarchical adj. hierarchism n. hierarchize v.tr. (also -ise).
Etymology: ME f. OF ierarchie f. med.L (h)ierarchia f. Gk hierarkhia (as HIERARCH)