tier tier /ˈtiːr/

noun

1. One of two or more layers one atop another  ( tier )
   one of two or more layers one atop another
    Tier upon tier of huge casks
   tier upon tier of huge casks
    A three-tier wedding cake
   a three-tier wedding cake
   
2. Something that is used for tying  ( tier )
   something that is used for tying
    The sail is fastened to the yard with tiers
   the sail is fastened to the yard with tiers
   
3. A worker who ties something  ( tier , tier up )
   a worker who ties something
   
4. Any one of two or more competitors who tie one another  ( tier )
   any one of two or more competitors who tie one another
   
5. A relative position or degree of value in a graded group  ( tier , grade , level )
   a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
    Lumber of the highest grade
   lumber of the highest grade