I. tier ˈtir noun
Etymology: Middle French tire rank, from Old French — more at attire
Date: 1569
1.
a. : a row, rank, or layer of articles ; especially : one of two or more rows, levels, or ranks arranged one above another
b. : a group of political or geographic divisions that form a row across the map
the southern tier of states
2. : class , category
II. tier verb
Date: circa 1889
transitive verb
: to place or arrange in tiers
intransitive verb
: to rise in tiers
III. ti·er noun
or ty·er ˈtī(-ə)r
Date: 1633
: one that ties