pulpit, pulpet

& a. [O. Fr. pulpite, from Lat. pulpitum = a scaffold, stage for actors; Fr. pupitre; Sp. & Ital. pulpito.] A. As substantive : pulpit 2. A raised place or desk in a church, from which the preacher delivers his sermon. They are now generally made of wood, but were formally also made of stone, richly carved and ornamented. 3. Hence, used figuratively, for preachers generally or preaching; the teaching of preachers. "I say the pulpit (in the sober use Of its legitimate, peculiar pow'rs) Must stand acknowledged, whilst the world shall stand, The most important and effectual guard, Support, and ornament of virtue's cause." Cowper: Task , ii. B. As adj .: Belonging, pertaining, or suited to the pulpit; as, pulpit eloquence, . *pul-pit, v . t . [PULPIT, 8.] To place in or supply with a pulpit. ( Milton .) *pul-pi-tär-i-an, s. [Eng. pulpit ; -arian.] A pulpiteer. IMG:content-1730.png:[blocks in formation] pül-pit-eër, *půl'-pit-er, s. [Eng. pulpit; -eer.] A term of contempt for a preacher. "What ails this pragmatical puipiteer , thus to talk of government?"- South : Sermons , vol. vi., ser. 2. *pul-pit-Ic-al, a. [Eng. pulpit ; -ical .] Of, or pertaining to, a pulpit; suited to a pulpit. *pul-pit-Ic-al-ly, adv . [Eng. pulpit i cal ; -ly .] In a manner suited to the pulpit; in manner of a sermon.