[re.spond] n (15c): an engaged pillar supporting an arch or closing a colonnade or arcade
[2]respond vb [MF respondre, fr. L respondere to promise in return, answer, fr. re- + spondere to promise--more at spouse] vi (1719) 1: to say something in return: make an answer "~ to criticism"
2. a: to react in response "~ed to a call for help" b: to show favorable reaction "~ to surgery"
3: to be answerable "~ in damages" ~ vt: reply syn see answer -- re.spond.er n