n.
1.a fundamental principle or practice
2.anything tall and thin approximating the shape of a column or tower
3.a prominent supporter
4.a vertical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (as a monument or a column of air)
5.(architeture) a tall cylindrical vertical upright and used to support a structure
Idiom of the Day
a house of cards
something badly put together that can be easily knocked down, a poorly made plan or action
The peace agreement between the two countries was like a house of cards and fell apart as soon as a minor problem occurred.