/'pɪlə(r); `pɪlɚ/
n
1 (a) upright column of stone, wood, metal, etc used as a support or an ornament, a monument, etc 柱子; 支柱. =>illus at App
1 见附录1插图, page viii.
(b) thing in the shape of this 柱形物
*a pillar of cloud, fire, smoke, etc 云柱、火柱、烟柱.
2 ~ of sth strong supporter of sth （某事物的）强大支持者
*a pillar of the Church, the establishment, the faith 教会、统治集团、该信仰的拥护者
* a scandal involving several pillars (ie respected members) of society 涉及几个社会要人的丑闻
* She was a pillar of strength to us (ie supported us strongly) when our situation seemed hopeless. 在我们近乎绝望之际, 她给了我们有力的支持.
3 (idm 习语) (go) from ,pillar to `post (go) from one person or thing to another (esp in an unsatisfactory or upsetting way) 到处奔走; （尤指）到处碰壁
*She was driven from pillar to post and each person she spoke to was more unhelpful than the last. 她被迫四处奔走求救于人, 但愿意帮她的人一个不如一个.

n[C]

[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French;Origin: piler, from Latin pila]
a) a tall upright round post used as a support for a roof or bridge
　Eight massive stone pillars supported the roof.
b) a tall upright round post, usually made of stone, put up to remind people of an important person or event
pillar of society/the community/the church etc
somebody who is an important and respected member of a group, and is involved in many public activities
　Mr Fitzwilliam had been seen as a pillar of the community.
a very important part of a system of beliefs or ideas
pillar of
　One of the pillars of a civilized society must be that everyone has equal access to the legal system.
be driven/pushed from pillar to post
to have to go from one person or situation to another without achieving much or being able to settle
　The poor kid has been pushed from pillar to post.
be a pillar of strength
if someone is a pillar of strength, they are there to give you help and support at a difficult time
　Christine's been a pillar of strength to me.
pillar of dust/smoke/flame etc
a tall upright mass of dust, smoke, flame etc