pillar Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a fundamental principle or practice
    • science eroded the pillars of superstition
  2. noun anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
    column; 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
  3. noun a prominent supporter
    mainstay.
    • he is a pillar of the community
  4. noun a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)
    column.
  5. noun (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure
    column.

WordNet

Pil"lar noun
Etymology
OE. pilerF. pilier, LL. pilare, pilarium, pilarius, fr. L. pila a pillar. See Pile a heap.
Definitions
  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.
Pil"lar adjective
Definitions
  1. (Mach.) Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.

Webster 1913