pilaster
UK /pɪˈlastə/ · US /pɪˈlæstɚ/ noun
Forms pilasters pilastre
- noun (decorative architecture) A rectangular column that projects partially from the wall to which it is attached; it gives the appearance of a support, but is only for decoration.
- noun (structural architecture) A column or short wing wall attached to the foundation wall which provides lateral support, or to support a vertical load that does not fall on the foundation wall.
Etymology
From Middle French pilastre, from Italian pilastro. Equivalent to pillar + -aster.
Webster’s 1913
- noun An upright architectural member right-angled in plan, constructionally a pier (See Pier, 1 (b)), but architecturally corresponding to a column, having capital, shaft, and base to agree with those of the columns of the same order. In most cases the projection from the wall is one third of its width, or less.
Etymology [F. pilastre, It. pilastro, LL. pilastrum, fr. L. pila a pillar. See Pillar.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “pilaster”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details