Lexic.us

Definition of Pillar

1. Noun. A fundamental principle or practice. "Science eroded the pillars of superstition"

2. Noun. Anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower. "A thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite"

3. Noun. A prominent supporter. "He is a pillar of the community"

4. Noun. A vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument).

5. Noun. (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure.

Definition of Pillar

1. 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.

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

Definition of Pillar

1. Noun. A large post, often used as supporting architecture. ¹

2. Noun. Something resembling such a structure. ¹

3. Noun. An essential part of something that provides support. ¹

4. Verb. To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Pillar

1. to provide with vertical building supports [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Medical Definition of Pillar

1. 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." "By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire." (Milton) 3. A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. 4. 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. Pillar saint. See Stylite. Pillars of the fauces. See Fauces. Origin: OE. PilerF. Pilier, LL. Pilare, pilarium, pilarius, fr. L. Pila a pillar. See Pile a heap. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Pillar

pill in the pocket pill mill pill mills pill pusher pill roller pillage pillaged pillager pillagers pillages

pillaging pillagings pillaite pillaloo pillar (current term) pillar-biter pillar-biters pillar-box red pillar box pillar cells

pillar cells of Corti pillar of Islam pillar of iris pillar of strength pillar of the community pillared pillaret pillarets pillaring

Literary usage of Pillar

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Gentleman's Magazine (1843)
"The east side stands against a pillar, to which is attached an elaborate crane ... On the second pillar from the west end remains a singular memorial of the ..."

2. Annual Register (1801)
"pillar at the weft corner of Fingal's cave. 1 From the water to the Ft. In. foot of the pillar - 12 Ю 2 Height of the pillar - 37 3 3 Stratum above the ..."

3. The Annual Register, Or, A View of the History, Politics, and Literature for by Edmund Burke, Benjamin Franklin Collection (Library of Congress), John Davis Batchelder Collection (Library of Congress) (1800)
"JL few lines, which I believe will appear extraordinary, as every traveller that has been at Alexandria has mentioned the farrt-: «us pillar of oriental ..."

4. Transactions by American Ethnological Society (1861)
"THE paper on some methods of pillar Working, communicated to the Institute by Mr. Wm. Spencer, Jun., having given rise to the anticipation that the subject ..."

5. An Etymological Dictionary of the English Language by Walter William Skeat (1893)
"[t] PILCROW, a curious corruption of Paragraph, qv PILE (2), a pillar ; a large stake driven into the earth to support foundations. ..."

6. Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum (1901)
"CHAPTER VIII From Cape pillar into the Pacific — Driven by a tempest toward Cape Horn — Captain Slocum's greatest sea adventure — Reaching the strait again ..."

7. The Gentleman's Magazine (1843)
"The east side stands against a pillar, to which is attached an elaborate crane ... On the second pillar from the west end remains a singular memorial of the ..."

8. Annual Register (1801)
"pillar at the weft corner of Fingal's cave. 1 From the water to the Ft. In. foot of the pillar - 12 Ю 2 Height of the pillar - 37 3 3 Stratum above the ..."

9. The Annual Register, Or, A View of the History, Politics, and Literature for by Edmund Burke, Benjamin Franklin Collection (Library of Congress), John Davis Batchelder Collection (Library of Congress) (1800)
"JL few lines, which I believe will appear extraordinary, as every traveller that has been at Alexandria has mentioned the farrt-: «us pillar of oriental ..."

10. Transactions by American Ethnological Society (1861)
"THE paper on some methods of pillar Working, communicated to the Institute by Mr. Wm. Spencer, Jun., having given rise to the anticipation that the subject ..."

11. An Etymological Dictionary of the English Language by Walter William Skeat (1893)
"[t] PILCROW, a curious corruption of Paragraph, qv PILE (2), a pillar ; a large stake driven into the earth to support foundations. ..."

12. Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum (1901)
"CHAPTER VIII From Cape pillar into the Pacific — Driven by a tempest toward Cape Horn — Captain Slocum's greatest sea adventure — Reaching the strait again ..."

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