n. 1 a a structure of iron or wood raised on piles and leading out to sea, a lake, etc., used as a promenade and landing-stage, and often with entertainment arcades etc. b a breakwater; a mole. 2 a a support of an arch or of the span of a bridge; a pillar. b solid masonry between windows etc. pier-glass a large mirror, used orig. to fill wall-space between windows.
[ ME per f. AL pera, of unkn. orig. ]