'Pillar' definitions:

Definition of 'pillar'

From: WordNet
noun
A fundamental principle or practice; "science eroded the pillars of superstition"
noun
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]
noun
A prominent supporter; "he is a pillar of the community" [syn: pillar, mainstay]
noun
A vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument) [syn: column, pillar]
noun
(architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure [syn: column, pillar]

Definition of 'Pillar'

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]

Definition of 'Pillar'

From: GCIDE
  • Pillar \Pil"lar\, a. (Mach.) Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Pillar'

From: Easton
  • Pillar used to support a building (Judg. 16:26, 29); as a trophy or memorial (Gen. 28:18; 35:20; Ex. 24:4; 1 Sam. 15:12, A.V., "place," more correctly "monument," or "trophy of victory," as in 2 Sam. 18:18); of fire, by which the Divine Presence was manifested (Ex. 13:2). The "plain of the pillar" in Judg. 9:6 ought to be, as in the Revised Version, the "oak of the pillar", i.e., of the monument or stone set up by Joshua (24:26).

Synonyms of 'pillar'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Pillar'