Used to support a building (Judges 16:26, 29); as a trophy or memorial (Genesis 28:18; 35:20; Exodus 24:4; 1 Samuel 15:12, A.V., "place, " more correctly "monument, " or "trophy of victory, " as in 2 Samuel 18:18); of fire, by which the Divine Presence was manifested (Exodus 13:2). The "plain of the pillar" in Judges 9:6 ought to be, as in the Revised Version, the "oak of the pillar", i.e., of the monument or stone set up by Joshua (24:26).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) 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.

2. (n.) 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.

3. (n.) A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.

4. (n.) The center of the volta, ring, or manege ground, around which a horse turns.

5. (a.) Having a support in the form of a pillar, instead of legs; as, a pillar drill.