Topic: BUILDINGS
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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | piler, from Latin pila |
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pil‧lar
[countable]
[countable]1
a) TBB a tall upright round post used as a support for a roof or bridge : 
Eight massive stone pillars supported the roof.
Eight massive stone pillars supported the roof.b) TB a tall upright round post, usually made of stone, put up to remind people of an important person or event
2 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.
pillar of society/the community/the church etc
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.
One of the pillars of a civilized society must be that everyone has equal access to the legal system.4 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.
be driven/pushed from pillar to post
The poor kid has been pushed from pillar to post.5 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.
be a pillar of strength
Christine's been a pillar of strength to me.