PIER

Dictionary of Science, Literature and Art · 1842 · p. 35

In Architecture, the solid between the openings of a building, or that from which an arch springs. An abutment pier, in a bridge, is that next the shore. For the mode of building the piers of a bridge, see Bridge. Pier. In Engineering, identical with mote, and is used to designate the ma es of building erected to form harbours, landing places, . [s. 941]