Thesaurus: pillar

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1. n. 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.
2. n. 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.
3. n. A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.
4. n. The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.
5. a. Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.
6. n. a fundamental principle or practice
7. n. anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
8. n. a prominent supporter
9. n. a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)
10. n. (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure
11. 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. Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.
12. A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before acardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. [Obs.] Skelton.