pil|low

pil|low «PIHL oh», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a) a bag or case filled with feathers, down, foam rubber, or other soft material, used to support the head (or, sometimes, other parts) when resting or sleeping. b) any object improvised for the same purpose: »

to use one's coat for a pillow.

2. = pillion. (Cf. ↑pillion)

3. a pad on which bobbin (or pillow) lace is made.

4. a supporting piece or part, such as the block on which the inner end of a bowsprit rests.

–v.t.

1. to rest or place on or as if on a pillow: »

to pillow a child on one's lap.

2. to be a pillow for: »

He lay with his arm pillowing his head.

–v.i.

to rest the head on or as if on a pillow: »

Thou shalt pillow on my breast (Joseph Rodman Drake).

╂[Old English pyle, and pilu, ultimately < Latin pulvīnus cushion]

–pil´low|like´, adjective.