great chain of being

== English == === Alternative forms === Great Chain of Being === Noun === great chain of being (plural great chains of being) (Christianity, historical) A hierarchical structure of all matter and life, descending from God through angels, humans, animals and plants to minerals, and thought in medieval times to have been decreed by God. Synonym: Chain of Being ==== Usage notes ==== In modern use, the term often omits reference to God and angels, and focuses exclusively on the notion of "higher" and "lower" lifeforms, with man at the pinnacle.