from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Post \Post\, n. [AS., fr. L. postis, akin to ponere, positum, to
place. See {Position}, and cf. 4th {Post}.]
1. A piece of timber, metal, or other solid substance, fixed,
or to be fixed, firmly in an upright position, especially
when intended as a stay or support to something else; a
pillar; as, a hitching post; a fence post; the posts of a
house.
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They shall take of the blood, and strike it on the
two side posts and on the upper doorpost of the
houses. --Ex. xii. 7.
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Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders
bore,
The gates of Azza, post and massy bar. --Milton.
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Unto his order he was a noble post. --Chaucer.
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Note: Post, in the sense of an upright timber or strut, is
used in composition, in such words as king-post,
queen-post, crown-post, gatepost, etc.
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2. The doorpost of a victualer's shop or inn, on which were
chalked the scores of customers; hence, a score; a debt.
[Obs.]
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When God sends coin
I will discharge your post. --S. Rowlands.
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{From pillar to post}. See under {Pillar}.
{Knight of the post}. See under {Knight}.
{Post hanger} (Mach.), a bearing for a revolving shaft,
adapted to be fastened to a post.
{Post hole}, a hole in the ground to set the foot of a post
in.
{Post mill}, a form of windmill so constructed that the whole
fabric rests on a vertical axis firmly fastened to the
ground, and capable of being turned as the direction of
the wind varies.
{Post and stall} (Coal Mining), a mode of working in which
pillars of coal are left to support the roof of the mine.
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