Definition 1

The word hierarch can be used as an adjective or a noun. An individual with a great amount of authority or a high position can be referred to as a hierarch. However, when defined as the matter of having rule in holy things, or among holy things, hierarch becomes an adjective.

Definition 2

Often, a hierarch is one who has rule or power in regard to holy matters. In ancient Greek temples, a hierarch was one of the minor priests. But this definition may extend to a chief priest, a chief prelate or an archbishop. Such individuals belong to a hierarchal society.

Definition 3

A collective body of angels, or, each of the three divisions of angels comprising three orders in the system of Dionysius the Areopagite, is deemed a hierarchy. Such angels are part of a hierarchical system.

Definition 4

Most commonly, a hierarchy refers to a group of people, places, and things ranked in any number of ways, such as by grades, orders, or classes, one above another. In a place of employment for example, a CEO rests at the top of the hierarchy or hierarchical order, and a laborer at the bottom.

Traits

Hierarchical classifications are often made according to rank, importance, seniority, power status or authority. There can be language or jargon unique to them, and values or expectations associated with each classification. For example, a hierarchy of power is referred to as a power structure, and in it, each position has assigned tasks and expectations.

Source:

Dictionary.com

Oxford English Dictionary