'From pillar to post' definitions:

Definition of 'from pillar to post'

From: WordNet
adverb
From one place or situation to another; "we were driven from pillar to post" [syn: from pillar to post, hither and thither]

Definition of 'From pillar to post'

From: GCIDE
  • Post \Post\, n. [AS., fr. L. postis, akin to ponere, positum, to place. See Position, and cf. 4th Post.]
  • 1. A piece of timber, metal, or other solid substance, fixed, or to be fixed, firmly in an upright position, especially when intended as a stay or support to something else; a pillar; as, a hitching post; a fence post; the posts of a house. [1913 Webster]
  • They shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper doorpost of the houses. --Ex. xii. 7. [1913 Webster]
  • Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore, The gates of Azza, post and massy bar. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • Unto his order he was a noble post. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: Post, in the sense of an upright timber or strut, is used in composition, in such words as king-post, queen-post, crown-post, gatepost, etc. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. The doorpost of a victualer's shop or inn, on which were chalked the scores of customers; hence, a score; a debt. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • When God sends coin I will discharge your post. --S. Rowlands. [1913 Webster]
  • From pillar to post. See under Pillar.
  • Knight of the post. See under Knight.
  • Post hanger (Mach.), a bearing for a revolving shaft, adapted to be fastened to a post.
  • Post hole, a hole in the ground to set the foot of a post in.
  • Post mill, a form of windmill so constructed that the whole fabric rests on a vertical axis firmly fastened to the ground, and capable of being turned as the direction of the wind varies.
  • Post and stall (Coal Mining), a mode of working in which pillars of coal are left to support the roof of the mine. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'From pillar to post'

From: 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Jacob set a pillar upon her grave. --Gen. xxxv. 20. [1913 Webster]
  • The place . . . vast and proud, Supported by a hundred pillars stood. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (R. C. Ch.) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. [Obs.] --Skelton. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Man.) The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]