(n.) A body of troops formed in ranks, one behind the other; --   contradistinguished from line. Compare Ploy, and Deploy. 
                        
                    
                    
                        
                        
                            (n.) A kind of pillar; a cylindrical or polygonal support for a   roof, ceiling, statue, etc., somewhat ornamented, and usually composed   of base, shaft, and capital. See Order. 
                        
                    
                    
                        
                        
                            (n.) A number of ships so arranged as to follow one another in   single or double file or in squadrons; -- in distinction from \"line\",   where they are side by side. 
                        
                    
                    
                        
                        
                            (n.) A perpendicular line of figures. 
                        
                    
                    
                        
                        
                            (n.) A perpendicular set of lines, not extending across the   page, and separated from other matter by a rule or blank space; as, a   column in a newspaper. 
                        
                    
                    
                        
                        
                            (n.) A small army. 
                        
                    
                    
                        
                        
                            (n.) Anything resembling, in form or position, a column in   architecture; an upright body or mass; a shaft or obelisk; as, a column   of air, of water, of mercury, etc.; the Column Vendome; the spinal   column. 
                        
                    
                    
                        
                        
                            (n.) The body formed by the union of the stamens in the Mallow   family, or of the stamens and pistil in the orchids.