Hĭ'e-rārch'y, n.

n. [Gr. ἱεραρχία, from ἱερός, sacred, and ἀρχή, sovereignty, rule; Fr. hiérarchie, It. gerarchia.]

1. Dominion or authority in sacred things.
2. The body of persons to whom is intrusted the direction of things sacred, or a body of priests intrusted with government; a sacred body of rulers.

I was borne upward till I trod Among the hierarchy of God. Trench. 3. A form of government administered solely by the priesthood and the clergy.