A buttress pier is a structural support made of stone, concrete, or brick that is designed to bear a load and transfer it to a foundation or other structural element. There are several synonyms for a buttress pier, including a support column, a pillar, a post, or a stanchion. Other similar terms might include a brace, a prop, a strut, or a reinforcement. The purpose of a buttress pier is to provide additional strength and stability to a structure, particularly when it is under heavy loads or is subject to lateral forces such as wind or earthquakes. In architecture, buttress piers are often used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building and to give it a sense of solidity and grandeur.