PILLAR • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Pillar

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/pˈɪlər/ Listen

noun

Pillar n.

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." "The place... vast and proud, Supported by a hundred pillars stood."

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

(R. C. Ch.) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. (Obs.)

(Man.) 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.

adjective

Pillar adj. (Mach.) Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.

See images of 'Pillar'

Etymology of 'Pillar'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Pillar" Quotes from Famous Books

... chap raised his eyebrows at the question, and glanced round as if apologizing to each massive pillar in turn. Well, he said, he would hardly call the hall modern, as it had been built by William the Conqueror, but perhaps the lady might be used to older things at home. With that, he turned on an indignant heel, and led us out ...

— Set in Silver • Charles Norris Williamson and Alice Muriel Williamson

... direction, Gerard presently discerned the outline of a dark wooden beam passing from pillar to pillar; and as the pair got nearer, walking now on tiptoe, one by one dark snake-like cords came out in the moonlight, each pendent from the beam to a dead man, ...

— The Cloister and the Hearth • Charles Reade

... for Gudrid. She came, singing to herself, fresh as a rose and as fair. She asked his pleasure—and he had not the heart to tell her his displeasure. What he did say was this: "Put your gear together as soon as you can. I am taking you to Erne Pillar, where you will be put in fostership with Orme." Gudrid looked up startled, and saw in her father's eyes what she had not seen before. Her own eyes fell, she coloured up, turned and went away, to do as ...

— Gudrid the Fair - A Tale of the Discovery of America • Maurice Hewlett

... walls, and shut up the view and choke sentiment. Of course I was in the cathedral, and looked at the rich memorial windows that let in subdued light into the religious gloom. Saw the shell which was thrown over with terms of capitulation, sitting in a socket on a pillar in the cathedral like a dove on its nest. It might tell a tale of what it saw in its flight through the air from one grim bank to the other, but it maintains ...

— The Letters of "Norah" on her Tour Through Ireland • Margaret Dixon McDougall

... the Temple of Artemis. Small gold gates on platform in front of the veil before the colossal statue of the Goddess, and in the centre of the Temple a tripod altar, on which is a lighted lamp. Lamps (lighted) suspended between each pillar. Tripods, vases, garlands of flowers, etc., about stage. Altar at back close to Goddess, with two cups. Solemn music. Priestesses decorating ...

— Becket and other plays • Alfred Lord Tennyson

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