Pier

in building, denotes a ma cf stone, . opposed by way of fortre against the force of the sea, or a great river, for the security of ships lying in any harbour or haven. Such are the’ piers at Dover, or Ramsgate, or Yar mouth, . Prers are also used in architecture for a kind of pilasters, or buttre es, raised for support, strength, and sometimes for ornament. Prers (Circular), are called' ma ive columns, and are either with or without caps. ‘These are often seen in Saracenic architecture.