pilaster

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a shallow rectangular column projecting from a wall, usually with a base and capital and often serving a decorative architectural role

   A stone pilaster framed each side of the entrance.

2. 2
   noun

   a vertical masonry projection built into a wall to strengthen it or support a concentrated load

   The engineer added a reinforced pilaster beneath the roof beam.

Borrowed through Middle French pilastre from Italian pilastro, 'pillar.' The architectural term names a flattened or partly embedded column on a wall, whether used to organize the facade visually or to provide structural support.

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