Pil·lar n.
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.”
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.]
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.
Post, n.
1. A piece of timber, metal, or other solid substance, fixed, or to be fixed, firmly in an upright position, especially when intended as a stay or support to something else; a pillar; as, a hitching post; a fence post; the posts of a house.
They shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper doorpost of the houses. --Ex. xii. 7.
Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore,
The gates of Azza, post and massy bar. --Milton.
Unto his order he was a noble post. --Chaucer.
Note: ☞ Post, in the sense of an upright timber or strut, is used in composition, in such words as king-post, queen-post, crown-post, gatepost, etc.
2. The doorpost of a victualer's shop or inn, on which were chalked the scores of customers; hence, a score; a debt. [Obs.]
When God sends coin
I will discharge your post. --S. Rowlands.
From pillar to post. See under Pillar.
Knight of the post. See under Knight.
Post hanger Mach., a bearing for a revolving shaft, adapted to be fastened to a post.
Post hole, a hole in the ground to set the foot of a post in.
Post mill, a form of windmill so constructed that the whole fabric rests on a vertical axis firmly fastened to the ground, and capable of being turned as the direction of the wind varies.
Post and stall Coal Mining, a mode of working in which pillars of coal are left to support the roof of the mine.
from pillar to post
adv : from one place or situation to another; "we were driven from
pillar to post" [syn: hither and thither]