pilaster

[pi-las-ter]

noun

Architecture.

1. a shallow rectangular feature projecting from a wall, having a capital and base and usually imitating the form of a column.

pilaster

/ pɪˈlæstə /

noun

1. a shallow rectangular column attached to the face of a wall

Other Word Forms

• pilastered adjective
• underpilaster noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilaster¹

1565–75; pile ¹ (in obsolete sense “pillar”) + -aster ¹, modeled on Italian pilastro or Medieval Latin pīlastrum

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilaster¹

C16: from French pilastre, from Latin pīla pillar

Example Sentences

Boasting moulded architraves with pilasters and a truncated pyramidal roof topped with iron brattishing, the building's roof is now falling into dereliction.

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He painted this complex plane, with its traceries, sculptures, pilasters and sunken portals jutting out and receding, 28 times, after first painting two close-ups of the Tour Saint Romain, one of the two western towers.

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Well what about the pediment and the pilasters?

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They also expressed a deep admiration for the craftsmen who worked on the home, creating such elegant features as the egg-and-dart molding and fluted pilasters.

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The building’s Greek Revival architectural details include its broad gable front with a recessed panel door, and corner pilasters reminiscent of columns.

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Related Words

• dam 
• dock 
• jetty 
• promenade 
• wharf