- pillar
- pil|lar [ˈpılə US -ər] n[Date: 1200-1300; : Old French; Origin: piler, from Latin pila]1.)a) a tall upright round post used as a support for a roof or bridge▪ Eight massive stone pillars supported the roof.b) a tall upright round post, usually made of stone, put up to remind people of an important person or event2.) pillar of society/the community/the church etcsomebody who is an important and respected member of a group, and is involved in many public activities▪ Mr Fitzwilliam had been seen as a pillar of the community.3.) a very important part of a system of beliefs or ideaspillar of▪ One of the pillars of a civilized society must be that everyone has equal access to the legal system.4.) be driven/pushed from pillar to postto have to go from one person or situation to another without achieving much or being able to settle▪ The poor kid has been pushed from pillar to post.5.) be a pillar of strengthif someone is a pillar of strength, they are there to give you help and support at a difficult time▪ Christine's been a pillar of strength to me.6.) pillar of dust/smoke/flame etca tall upright mass of dust, smoke, flame etc
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.