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 load2: a wedge-shaped heraldic charge usually placed vertically with the broad end up3 a: a target-shooting arrowhead without cutting edges b [Latin pilum] : an ancient Roman foot soldier's heavy javelin