Etymology Map
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Pillar

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a tall vertical support; a key supporter

Where does the word "pillar" come from? It comes from Latin pila, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
pila
Latin · ancient
"pillar, pier"
a stone pier or column
2
Stage 2 of 3
piler
Old French · medieval
"column"
gave 'pile' as in bridge supports
3
Stage 3 of 3
pillar
English · 1200s
"a column"
'from pillar to post' comes from real tennis
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Read the full story

Pillar’s story begins in Latin: pila meant “pillar, pier.” A stone pier or column. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as piler. Gave 'pile' as in bridge supports. It reached English by 1200s as pillar. 'from pillar to post' comes from real tennis. Today, pillar means a tall vertical support; a key supporter.