pillar

Noun
Synonyms: columntowermainstay

WordNet 3.0

Noun (5)

  1. a fundamental principle or practice“science eroded the pillars of superstition”
  2. anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower“the test tube held a column of white powder”“a tower of dust rose above the horizon”“a thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite”Synonyms: columntower
  3. a prominent supporter“he is a pillar of the community”Synonyms: mainstay
  4. a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)Synonyms: column
  5. (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structureSynonyms: column
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Pillar \Pil"lar\, a. (Mach.) Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill. [1913 Webster]
Pillar \Pil"lar\, n. [OE. pilerF. pilier, LL. pilare, pilarium, pilarius, fr. L. pila a pillar. See Pile a heap.]

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]

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