pedestal

Definition

The base or foot of a column, statue, vase, lamp.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French piédestal, itself borrowed from Italian piedistallo (literally “foot stand”). Spelling influenced by Latin pēs, pedem.

Example Sentences

• "He has put his mother on a pedestal. You can't say a word against her."
• "But India is also where the Mahatma may have fallen furthest from the pedestal."