from
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]