establishment

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The act or process of establishing; a ratifying or ordaining; settlement; confirmation.

   Since their establishment of the company in 1984, they have grown into a global business.

2. 2
   noun

   The state of being established, founded, etc.; fixed state.

   The firm celebrated twenty years since their establishment by updating their look.

3. 3
   noun

   That which is established; as a form of government, a permanent organization, business or force, or the place where one is permanently fixed for residence.

   Pedro's is a fine establishment serving a variety of delicious food.

4. 4
   noun

   The ruling class or authority group in a society; especially, an entrenched authority dedicated to preserving the status quo.

   It was clear that they viewed the British establishment as qualitatively different from the French establishment.

5. 5
   noun

   The number of staff required to run a department or organisation (often used in the context of healthcare and other public services).

   The cancer department has an establishment of 10 doctors and 30 nurses.

6. 6
   noun

   The institution and official status of a church as a state church, especially that of the Church of England and historically of Ireland.

   Not all Anglicans have supported establishment.

7. 7
   name

   Any particular establishment (ruling class) that is construed as the sole one within a given context (such as a specific country).

   By the late 1780s, it was clear that many French had had it with the Establishment.

8. 8
   noun

   the act of forming or establishing something

Etymology

From Middle English *establishment, stablishment, stablisshement, from Old French establissement (Modern French établissement), from the verb establir. Equivalent to establish + -ment.