Definition of pillar

The word "pillar" has its roots in the Old English word "pyllor," which came from the Latin word "columna." The Latin word, in turn, was derived from the Latin verb "coluī," meaning "to grow" or "to rear." During the Roman Empire, columns were often used to support buildings, and the word "columna" was used to describe these structural supports. The Greek word for "column" was "stoōn," which also meant "standing" or "support." As the Latin language spread throughout Europe, the word "columna" became adopted into various Romance languages, including French ("pilier"), Spanish ("pilar"), and Italian ("pilastro"). In English, the original Old English word "pyllor" fell out of use, and the more commonly used Latin loanword "pillar" became the preferred term. Today, the word "pillar" is used in a variety of contexts, from describing structural supports in buildings to representing important values or beliefs. Its origins as a word for a supporting column still resonate in its modern usage.