Emily Dickinson Lexicon

pier (-s), n. [ME per < L. pera.] (webplay: bridge, building, house, windows).

1. Support; foundation; solid structure which holds up an arch or bridge.
2. Landing; breakwater; jetty; mass of stone work projecting into the sea for breaking the force of the waves and making a safe harbor.
3. [Fig.] veil; boundary between mortality and immortality; division between life and death.
4. [Fig.] place for the renowned.