from pillar to post

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.The general and popular term for a firm, upright, insulated support for a superstructure; a pier, column, or post; also, a column or shaft not supporting a superstructure, as one erected for a monument or an ornament. [1913 Webster]

Jacob set a pillar upon her grave.— Gen. xxxv. 20.[1913 Webster]

The place . . . vast and proud, Supported by a hundred pillars stood.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

2.Figuratively, that which resembles such a pillar in appearance, character, or office; a supporter or mainstay; as, the Pillars of Hercules; a pillar of the state. "You are a well-deserving pillar." --Shak. [1913 Webster]

By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

3.(R. C. Ch.) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. [Obs.] --Skelton. [1913 Webster]

4.(Man.) The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns. [1913 Webster]

From pillar to post, hither and thither; to and fro; from one place or predicament to another; backward and forward. [Colloq.]

Pillar saint. See Stylite.

Pillars of the fauces. See Fauces, 1. [1913 Webster]

1.A piece of timber, metal, or other solid substance, fixed, or to be fixed, firmly in an upright position, especially when intended as a stay or support to something else; a pillar; as, a hitching post; a fence post; the posts of a house. [1913 Webster]

They shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper doorpost of the houses.— Ex. xii. 7.[1913 Webster]

Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore, The gates of Azza, post and massy bar.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

Unto his order he was a noble post.— Chaucer.[1913 Webster]

Note: Post, in the sense of an upright timber or strut, is used in composition, in such words as king-post, queen-post, crown-post, gatepost, etc. [1913 Webster]

2.The doorpost of a victualer's shop or inn, on which were chalked the scores of customers; hence, a score; a debt. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

When God sends coin I will discharge your post.— S. Rowlands.[1913 Webster]

From pillar to post. See under Pillar.

Knight of the post. See under Knight.

Post hanger (Mach.), a bearing for a revolving shaft, adapted to be fastened to a post.

Post hole, a hole in the ground to set the foot of a post in.

Post mill, a form of windmill so constructed that the whole fabric rests on a vertical axis firmly fastened to the ground, and capable of being turned as the direction of the wind varies.

Post and stall (Coal Mining), a mode of working in which pillars of coal are left to support the roof of the mine. [1913 Webster]