pier
pier.
1. A detached mass of construction, generally acting as a support, such as the solid part of a wall between two openings, or a massive element from which arches spring, as in a bridge.
2. Support, such as a pier in a repetitive medieval nave-arcade varying from sturdy, oversized Romanesque examples to the lighter, taller, more slender, multimoulded Perpendicular types. Piers are therefore very much more massive than columns.
3. Vertical formation in brickwork on the face of a flint or rag-stone wall, serving to strengthen it.
4. Stone, concrete, metal-work, or timber construction jutting out into the sea or other water as a break-water, landing-stage, or promenade.
5. Jetty or wharf.
1. A detached mass of construction, generally acting as a support, such as the solid part of a wall between two openings, or a massive element from which arches spring, as in a bridge.
2. Support, such as a pier in a repetitive medieval nave-arcade varying from sturdy, oversized Romanesque examples to the lighter, taller, more slender, multimoulded Perpendicular types. Piers are therefore very much more massive than columns.
3. Vertical formation in brickwork on the face of a flint or rag-stone wall, serving to strengthen it.
4. Stone, concrete, metal-work, or timber construction jutting out into the sea or other water as a break-water, landing-stage, or promenade.
5. Jetty or wharf.
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pier