Pil"lar , a.
(Mach.) Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.
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.
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.
Hear it pronounced