Pillarist
/ˈpɪl.ər.ɪst/noun
A person who lives or practices religious asceticism on top of a pillar; a stylite.
Did you know?Pillarists, more commonly called stylites, sometimes remained atop pillars for years while pilgrims gathered below to seek their counsel and blessings.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
pīla
“A pillar, pier, or column; the ultimate origin is uncertain.”
12th Century
Old French
pile
“A pillar or column.”
13th Century
Middle English
piler / pillar
“A supporting column or upright structure.”
Late Middle English–Early Modern English
English
pillar
“A column, and figuratively a person or thing providing support.”
17th–18th Century
English
pillarist
“A religious recluse living on a pillar, equivalent to “stylite.””
Modern English
English
pillarist
“An archaic or specialized term for a pillar-dwelling ascetic.”