from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Podium \Po"di*um\, n.; pl. {Podia}. [L., fr. Gr. ?, dim. of ?,
?, foot. See {Pew}.]
1. (Arch.) A low wall, serving as a foundation, a
substructure, or a terrace wall. It is especially employed
by arch[ae]ologists in two senses:
(a) The dwarf wall surrounding the arena of an
amphitheater, from the top of which the seats began.
(b) The masonry under the stylobate of a temple, sometimes
a mere foundation, sometimes containing chambers. See
Illust. of {Column}.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Zool.) The foot.
[1913 Webster]