Pillar word meaning and definition

[noun] a tall cylindrical vertical upright
[noun] a vertical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (as a monument or a column of air)
[noun] a fundamental principle or practice; "science eroded the pillars of superstition"
[noun] a prominent supporter; "he is a pillar of the community"
[noun] anything tall and thin approximating 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"

\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. 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.'' --Shak. By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire. --Milton. 3. (R. C. Ch.) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. [Obs.] --Skelton. 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.
\Pil"lar\, a. (Mach.) Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.

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