Main Entry: es·tab·lish·ment

Pronunciation: \i-ˈsta-blish-mənt\

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