es·tab·lish·ment    Audio Help   /ɪˈstæblɪʃmənt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[i-stab-lish-muhnt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun

1.	the act or an instance of establishing.

2.	the state or fact of being established.

3.	something established; a constituted order or system.

4.	(often initial capital letter) the existing power structure in society; the dominant groups in society and their customs or institutions; institutional authority (usually prec. by the): The Establishment believes exploring outer space is worth any tax money spent.

5.	(often initial capital letter) the dominant group in a field of endeavor, organization, etc. (usually prec. by the): the literary Establishment.

6.	a household; place of residence including its furnishings, grounds, etc.

7.	a place of business together with its employees, merchandise, equipment, etc.

8.	a permanent civil, military, or other force or organization.

9.	an institution, as a school, hospital, etc.

10.	the recognition by a state of a church as the state church.

11.	the church so recognized, esp. the Church of England.

12.	Archaic. a fixed or settled income.

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[Origin: 1475–85; 1920–25 for def. 4; establish + -ment]

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