First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1pillar
noun pil·lar \ˈpi-lər\
: a large post that helps to hold up something (such as a roof)
: someone who is an important member of a group
: a basic fact, idea, or principle of something
Full Definition of PILLAR
1
a : a firm upright support for a superstructure : post b : a usually ornamental column or shaft; especially : one standing alone for a monument
2
a : a supporting, integral, or upstanding member or part <a pillar of society> b : a fundamental precept <the five pillars of Islam>
3
: a solid mass of coal, rock, or ore left standing to support a mine roof
4
: a body part that resembles a column
— pil·lar·less adjective
— from pillar to post
: from one place or one predicament to another
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Origin of PILLAR
Middle English piler, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin pilare, from Latin pila
2pillar
verb
Definition of PILLAR
transitive verb
: to provide or strengthen with or as if with pillars
First Known Use of PILLAR
1787
Other Architecture Terms
PILLAR[1] Defined for Kids
pillar
noun pil·lar \ˈpi-lər\
Definition of PILLAR for Kids
1
: a large post that supports something (as a roof)
2
: a single column built as a monument
3
: a supporting or important member or part <He was a pillar of society.>
4
: something that resembles a column in shape <pillars of smoke>
Medical Dictionary
pillar
noun pil·lar \ˈpil-ər\
Medical Definition of PILLAR
: a body part likened to a pillar or column (as the margin of the external inguinal ring); specifically : pillar of the fauces
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