Main Entry: ¹pile

Pronunciation: \ˈpī(-ə)l\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, dart, quill, pole driven into the ground, from Old English pīl, from Latin pilum javelin

Date: 12th century

1 : a long slender column usually of timber, steel, or reinforced concrete driven into the ground to carry a vertical load
2 : a wedge-shaped heraldic charge usually placed vertically with the broad end up
3 a : a target-shooting arrowhead without cutting edges b [Latin pilum] : an ancient Roman foot soldier's heavy javelin