Hierarchy (noun)

1. A system of order or ranking among people or things.
2. A group of people or things arranged in a graded series or ranked in order of importance or status.
3. A system of organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
4. A system of organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.
5. A system of ranking in which each level or rank is subordinate to the one above it.

Origin:

Late latin hierarchia, from greek hierarkhia, from hierarkhes, hierarkhos high priest, ruler, from hieros sacred + arkhein to rule.

Examples:

1. The hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
2. The hierarchy of management.
3. The military hierarchy.
4. The social hierarchy.
5. The hierarchy of needs.