Echelon (noun)

1. A level or rank in an organization, profession, or society.
2. A formation of troops or vehicles in which they are arranged diagonally.
3. A group of people or things arranged in a graduated series.
4. A group of people or things that are at a similar level or rank.

Origin:

Mid 18th century: from french échelon, from échelle "ladder" (see scale1).

Examples:

1. The company had a strict hierarchy, with several echelons of management.
2. The troops were arranged in an echelon formation as they advanced on the enemy.
3. The echelon of executives was the highest level of management in the company.
4. The echelon of scientists was divided into several subgroups.
5. The echelon of successful companies in the industry was very small.