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n. A rectangular column with a capital and base, projecting only slightly from a wall as an ornamental motif. [French pilastre, from Old French, from Old Italian pilastro, from Medieval Latin pīlaster : Latin pīla, pillar + Latin -aster, n. suff., or blend of Latin pīla, pillar, and Late Latin parastatēs, pilaster (from Greek, stay, supporter : para-, beside; see PARA-1 + -statēs, -stat).]  (click for a larger image) pilaster |
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