PULPIT

dais, podium, pulpit, rostrum, ambo, stump, soapbox

(noun) a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

pulpit (plural pulpits)

A raised platform in a church, usually enclosed, where the minister or preacher stands when giving the sermon.

Activity performed from a church pulpit, in other words, preaching, sermons, religious teaching, the preaching profession, preachers collectively or an individual preaching position; by extension: bully pulpit.

A raised desk, lectern, or platform for an orator or public speaker.

(nautical) The railing at the bow of a boat, which sometimes extends past the deck. It is sometimes referred to as bow pulpit. The railing at the stern of the boat is sometimes referred to as a stern pulpit; other texts use the term pushpit.

A bow platform for harpooning.

(UK military slang, dated) A plane's cockpit.

Synonyms

• (dated British slang for cockpit): office; see also cockpit

Source: Wiktionary

Pul"pit, n. Etym: [L. pulpitum: cf. OF. pulpite, F. pulpitre.]

1. An elevated place, or inclosed stage, in a church, in which the clergyman stands while preaching. I stand like a clerk in my pulpit. Chaucer.

2. The whole body of the clergy; preachers as a class; also, preaching. I say the pulpit (in the sober use Of its legitimate, peculiar powers) Must stand acknowledged, while the world shall stand, The most important and effectual guard, Support, and ornament of virtue's cause. Cowper.

3. A desk, or platform, for an orator or public speaker.

Pul"pit, a.

Definition: Of or pertaining to the pulpit, or preaching; as, a pulpit orator; pulpit eloquence.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition