tier 1
/tear/ , n.
1. one of a series of rows or ranks rising one behind or above another, as of seats in an amphitheater, boxes in a theater, guns in a man-of-war, or oars in an ancient galley.
2. one of a number of galleries, as in a theater.
3. a layer; level; stratum: The wedding cake had six tiers. All three tiers of the firm's management now report to one director.
4. Australian. a mountain range.
v.t.
5. to arrange in tiers.
v.i.
6. to rise in tiers.
[ 1560-70; earlier also tire, tyre, teare tire, tiere order, row, rank tir, OHG zeri glory, adornment ]
tier 2
/tuy"euhr/ , n.
1. a person or thing that ties.
2. Naut. a short rope or band for securing a furled sail.
3. New Eng. a child's apron or pinafore.
[ 1625-35; TIE + -ER 1 ]