plural hierarchies
Definition of hierarchy
1
: a division of angels
2a
: a ruling body of clergy organized into orders or ranks each subordinate to the one above it
especially
: the bishops of a province or nation
b
: church government by a hierarchy
3
: a body of persons in authority
4
: the classification of a group of people according to ability or to economic, social, or professional standing
also
: the group so classified
5
: a graded or ranked series
a hierarchy of values
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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The first known use of hierarchy was in the 14th century
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