Establish (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Established (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Establishing.] [OE. establissen, OF. establir, F. établir, fr. L. stabilire, fr. stabilis firm, steady, stable. See Stable, a., -ish, and cf. Stablish.] 1. To make stable or firm; to fix immovably or firmly; to set (a thing) in a place and make it stable there; to settle; to confirm.
[1913 Webster]

So were the churches established in the faith. Acts xvi. 5.
[1913 Webster]

The best established tempers can scarcely forbear being borne down. Burke.
[1913 Webster]

Confidence which must precede union could be established only by consummate prudence and self-control. Bancroft.
[1913 Webster]

2. To appoint or constitute for permanence, as officers, laws, regulations, etc.; to enact; to ordain.
[1913 Webster]

By the consent of all, we were established
The people's magistrates. Shak.
[1913 Webster]

Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed. Dan. vi. 8.
[1913 Webster]

3. To originate and secure the permanent existence of; to found; to institute; to create and regulate; -- said of a colony, a state, or other institutions.
[1913 Webster]

He hath established it [the earth], he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited. Is. xlv. 18.
[1913 Webster]

Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and establisheth a city by iniquity! Hab. ii. 12.
[1913 Webster]

4. To secure public recognition in favor of; to prove and cause to be accepted as true; as, to establish a fact, usage, principle, opinion, doctrine, etc.
[1913 Webster]

At the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. Deut. xix. 15.
[1913 Webster]

5. To set up in business; to place advantageously in a fixed condition; -- used reflexively; as, he established himself in a place; the enemy established themselves in the citadel.
[1913 Webster]