pillar

Meanings

Noun

• A large post, often used as supporting architecture.
• Something resembling such a structure.
• An essential part of something that provides support.
• A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
• The centre of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
• The body from the hips over the core to the shoulders.

Verb

• To provide with pillars or added strength as if from pillars.

Related

Similar words

• column, sile

Origin

• From Middle English piler, from Old French pilier, from Medieval Latin or Vulgar Latin *pilāre ("a pillar"), from Latin pila ("a pillar, pier, mole").