pedestal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a support or foundation
    base; stand.
    • the base of the lamp
  2. noun a position of great esteem (and supposed superiority)
    • they put him on a pedestal
  3. noun an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue)
    plinth; footstall.

WordNet

Ped"es*tal noun
Etymology
Sp. pedestal; cf. F. piédestal, It. piedestallo; fr. L. es, pedis, foot + OHG. stal standing place, station, place, akin to E. stall. See Foot, and Stall, and Footstall.
Definitions
  1. (Arch.) The base or foot of a column, statue, vase, lamp, or the like; the part on which an upright work stands. It consists of three parts, the base, the die or dado, and the cornice or surbase molding. See Illust. of Column.
    Build him a pedestal, and say, "Stand there!" Cowper.
  2. (a) (Railroad Cars) A casting secured to the frame of a truck and forming a jaw for holding a journal box. (b) (Mach.) A pillow block; a low housing. (c) (Bridge Building) An iron socket, or support, for the foot of a brace at the end of a truss where it rests on a pier.

Webster 1913