Origin: 1200-1300 Old French piler, from Latin pila
1 a tall upright round post used as a support for a roofSYN column2pillar of the community/church/society etc. an active and important member of a group, organization, etc. who is respected by many people and is considered to behave in a very moral way3a pillar of something a very important part of a system of beliefs, especially religious beliefs: One of the pillars of our society is that everyone has equal access to the legal system.4from pillar to post moving or changing frequently from one place or situation to another: The boy has been moved from pillar to post all his life.5a pillar of strength/support (to/for somebody) someone who has a strong character and helps or supports other people6pillar of dust/smoke/flame etc. literary a tall upright mass of dust, smoke, flame, etc.SYN column