PILLAR, a detached support like a column; hut its section may be of any shape, whereas the column is always round. Pillars have been used in all styles of architecture, and their forms and ornaments are usually amongst the most characteristic features of the style. The Greek and Roman pillars (or columns) are the distinguishing elements in the various orders. In Gothic architecture, also, the pillars are of different forms at the various epochs of that style. First, in the Norman period, we lia've plain massive pillars, square, circular, and octagonal, frequently ornamented with zigzag ornaments, spiral bands, etc., on the surface. As vaulting progressed, the system of breaking the plain surface, and giving to each portion of the vaulting a separate little column or shaft to support it was introduced. This was clone either by attaching shafts to the circular pillars. or by cutting nooks in the pillar and setting little shafts in them.
In the early pointed style a plain circular or octagonal pillar, with a number of small shafts attached around it, is a favorite arrangetnent.
In this style, the attached shafts are very frequently banded to the main pillar at dif ferent heights, and they are sometimes made of a finer material, such as Purbec marble. In the decora.ted style the pillar is of a lozenge form, and not so much ornamented with detached shafts as with moldings; plain, circular, or octagonal pillars, however, are used in this, as in all the styles. The moldings and shafts are usually filleted; and some of the moldings run up into the arch without any cap. In perpendicular the same idea is further carried out; the moldings become thinner, and are more frequently run up intd. the arch without caps. See PLA3IDOYANT.