Pillar /(?)/

Pil·lar

Pillar

n.
  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.
  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.
    By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire.
  3. A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. (R. C. Ch.) [Obs.]
  4. The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns. (Man.)

Phrases & Compounds
From pillar to post
hither and thither; to and fro; from one place or predicament to another; backward and forward.
Pillar saint
See Stylite.
Pillars of the fauces
See Fauces, 1.

Pillar

a.
  1. Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill. (Mach.)