[ 'hʌɪərα:ki ]
■ noun ( plural hierarchies )
1》 a ranking system ordered according to status or authority.
↘( the ~ ) the upper echelons of a hierarchical system.
↘an arrangement according to relative importance or inclusiveness.
2》 ( the ~ ) the clergy of the Catholic Church or of an episcopal Church.
3》 Theology the traditional system of orders of angels and other heavenly beings.
Derivatives
hierarchization or hierarchisation noun
hierarchize or hierarchise verb
Origin
ME: via OFr. and med. L. from Gk hierarkhia , from hierarkhēs (see hierarch ).