PILLAR

column, pillar

(noun) (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure

column, pillar

(noun) a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)

pillar

(noun) a fundamental principle or practice; “science eroded the pillars of superstition”

pillar, mainstay

(noun) a prominent supporter; “he is a pillar of the community”

column, tower, pillar

(noun) 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”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

pillar (plural pillars)

(architecture) A large post, often used as supporting architecture.

Something resembling such a structure.

(figuratively) An essential part of something that provides support.

(Roman Catholic) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.

The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.

Synonyms

• column, sile

Verb

pillar (third-person singular simple present pillars, present participle pillaring, simple past and past participle pillared)

To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars.

Anagrams

• Aprill

Proper noun

Pillar (plural Pillars)

A surname.

Statistics

• According to the 2010 United States Census, Pillar is the 16481^st most common surname in the United States, belonging to 1743 individuals. Pillar is most common among White (61.68%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (23.81%) individuals.

Anagrams

• Aprill

Source: Wiktionary

Pil"lar, n. Etym: [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. Jacob set a pillar upon her grave. Gen. xxxv. 20. The place . . . vast and proud, Supported by a hundred pillars stood. Dryden.

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. By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire. Milton.

3. (R. C. Ch.)

Definition: A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. [Obs.] Skelton.

4. (Man.)

Definition: The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns. 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.

Pil"lar, a. (Mach.)

Definition: Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition