[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

pier \pier\, n. oe. pere, of. piere a stone, f. pierre, fr. l.
   petra, gr. ?. cf. petrify.
   1. arch.
      a any detached mass of masonry, whether insulated or
          supporting one side of an arch or lintel, as of a
          bridge; the piece of wall between two openings.
      b any additional or auxiliary mass of masonry used to
          stiffen a wall. see buttress.
          1913 webster

   2. a projecting wharf or landing place.
      1913 webster

   abutment pier, the pier of a bridge next the shore; a pier
      which by its strength and stability resists the thrust of
      an arch.

   pier glass, a mirror, of high and narrow shape, to be put
      up between windows.

   pier table, a table made to stand between windows.
      1913 webster
see also:
petrify buttress abutment pier pier glass pier table 

Abutment >> A Words
Abutment, definition of term: Abutment
abutment_pag1.html

Pier >> P Words
Pier, definition of term: Pier
pier_pag1.html

Pier Glass >> P Words
Pier Glass, definition of term: Pier Glass
pier+glass_pag1.html