pillar

Definitions

1. 1.The place . . . vast and proud, Supported by a hundred pillars stood. Dryden.
2. 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. 3.(R. C. Ch.) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. [Obs.] Skelton.
4. 4.(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.
5. 5.Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "pillar" mean?
• What is another word for "pillar"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is pillar.

• What is the place . . . vast and proud, Supported by a hundred pillars stood. Dryden called?
• What is a portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. [Obs.] Skelton called?
• What is having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill called?