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 event

2.) pillar of society/the community/the church etc

somebody 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 ideas

pillar 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 post

to 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 strength

if 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 etc

a tall upright mass of dust, smoke, flame etc