From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
pillar
n 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" [syn: column, tower, pillar]
3: a prominent supporter; "he is a pillar of the community"
[syn: pillar, mainstay]
4: a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not
supporting anything (such as a monument) [syn: column,
pillar]
5: (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing
upright and used to support a structure [syn: column,
pillar]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Pillar \Pil"lar\, a. (Mach.)
Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs;
as, a pillar drill.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
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.
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Jacob set a pillar upon her grave. --Gen. xxxv.
20.
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The place . . . vast and proud,
Supported by a hundred pillars stood. --Dryden.
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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.
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By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire. --Milton.
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3. (R. C. Ch.) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried
before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the
church. [Obs.] --Skelton.
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4. (Man.) The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground,
around which a horse turns.
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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.
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