Definition of "establishment"

establishment

/ɪˈstæblɪʃmənt/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural establishments
1. The act of establishing; a ratifying or ordaining; settlement; confirmation.
  Quotations
  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.
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.
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.
  Quotations
  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 June 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).
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.