great chain of being

noun1

1. •
   (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.

   • Vast Chain of Being! which from God began, / Ethereal Essence, Spirit, Substance, Man, / Beast, Bird, Fish, Insect! what no Eye can see, / No Glass can reach! from Infinite to Thee! — 1733