(1)1)(支撑建筑或作装饰用的)柱子，立(支)柱 (upright post used in a building as a support or decoration) [C]： The hall is surrounded/The porch is supported by stone～s. 大厅周围是石柱/门廊由石柱支撑。〖同〗column，post，support; 2)柱状 (形)物 (thing like a pillar in shape) [C]： a～of smoke/flame/dust 烟/火/灰尘柱;

(2)栋梁，支柱(strong supporter of sth) [C]： a～of society社会的栋梁;a～of philosophy/freedom哲学/自由的支柱;a～of the church/community教会的支持者/社区的重要人物;a～of a club 俱乐部的台柱子;a～of strength to sb 某人强有力的支持者;〖同〗support;

from pillar to post 走投无路，四处碰壁： He was driven from～to post in search of a job. 他到处碰壁，哪里都找不到工作。

→′pillar-box n (BrE) 邮(信)筒;

【辨异】pillar与column的区别见COLUMN。