Pillar saint

Pillar 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. [1913 Webster]

Jacob set a pillar upon her grave. --Gen. xxxv. 20. [1913 Webster]

The place . . . vast and proud, Supported by a hundred pillars stood. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

3. (R. C. Ch.) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church. [Obs.] --Skelton. [1913 Webster]

4. (Man.) The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]