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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Pillar \Pil"lar\, a. (Mach.)
Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs;
as, a pillar drill.
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Pillar \Pil"lar\, n. [OE. pilerF. pilier, LL. pilare, pilarium,
pilarius, fr. L. pila a pillar. See {Pile} a heap.]
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.
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Jacob set a pillar upon her grave. --Gen. xxxv.
20.
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The place . . . vast and proud,
Supported by a hundred pillars stood. --Dryden.
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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.
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By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire. --Milton.
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3. (R. C. Ch.) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried
before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the
church. [Obs.] --Skelton.
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4. (Man.) The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground,
around which a horse turns.
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{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.
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