establishment

Etymology

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

noun

1. The act of establishing; a ratifying or ordaining; settlement; confirmation.
   Since their establishment of the company in 1984, they have grown into a global business.
   The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same. 1787, Article Seven of the United States Constitution
2. The state of being established, founded, etc.; fixed state.
   The firm celebrated twenty years since their establishment by updating their look.
3. 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.
   Exposing the shabby parts of the establishment.
4. (usually with "the") The ruling class or authority group in a society; especially, an entrenched authority dedicated to preserving the status quo. Also Establishment.
   It's often necessary to question the establishment to get things done.
   Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic who still resists the idea that something drastic needs to happen for him to turn his life around. Until 2008 there was denial over what finance had become. When a series of bank failures made this impossible, there was widespread anger, leading to the public humiliation of symbolic figures. 2013-06-28, Joris Luyendijk, “Our banks are out of control”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 3, page 21
5. 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. (Christianity) 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.