Plinth vs. Pedestal

A block or slab upon which a column, pedestal, statue or other structure is based.

The bottom course of stones or bricks supporting a wall.

A base or pedestal beneath a cabinet.

In classical architecture, a vertically faced member immediately below the circular base of a column; also, the lowest member of a pedestal; hence, in general, the lowest member of a base; a sub-base; a block upon which the moldings of an architrave or trim are stopped at the bottom. See Illust. of Column.

an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue)

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

(figuratively) A place of reverence or honor.

Example: ‘He has put his mother on a pedestal. You can't say a word against her.’;

(rail transport) A casting secured to the frame of a truck of a railcar and forming a jaw for holding a journal box.

(machining) A pillow block; a low housing.

(bridge building) An iron socket, or support, for the foot of a brace at the end of a truss where it rests on a pier.

(steam heating) a pedestal coil, group of connected straight pipes arranged side by side and one above another, used in a radiator.

To set or support on (or as if on) a pedestal.

The base or foot of a column, statue, vase, lamp, or the like; the part on which an upright work stands. It consists of three parts, the base, the die or dado, and the cornice or surbase molding. See Illust. of Column.

Example: ‘Build him a pedestal, and say, "Stand there!"’;

A short free-standing column or column-like object designed to support a work of art or other object; a column serving the same function as the base of a statue. It may be made of wood, marble, or other suitable material.

A part of a desk which contains a frame and drawers, stands on the floor, and provides support for the desk surface. There may be zero, one, or two such pedestals in a desk.

A casting secured to the frame of a truck and forming a jaw for holding a journal box.

a support or foundation;

Example: ‘the base of the lamp’;

a position of great esteem (and supposed superiority);

Example: ‘they put him on a pedestal’;

an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue)

A pedestal (from French piédestal, Italian piedistallo 'foot of a stall') or plinth is the support of a statue or a vase, and of a column in architecture. Smaller pedestals, especially if round in shape, may be called socles.