Pul"pit (?), n. [L. pulpitum: cf. OF. pulpite, F. pulpitre.]
1.
An elevated place, or inclosed stage, in a church, in which the clergyman stands while preaching.
I stand like a clerk in my pulpit.
Chaucer.
2.
The whole body of the clergy; preachers as a class; also, preaching.
I say the pulpit (in the sober use
Of its legitimate, peculiar powers)
Must stand acknowledged, while the world shall stand,
The most important and effectual guard,
Support, and ornament of virtue's cause.
Cowper.
3.
A desk, or platform, for an orator or public speaker.
<-- 4. (Fig.) An office or condition of public prominence in which a person can gain wide public attention, thereby permitting him to exhort the public on moral or political matters. "The presidency is a bully pulpit." -->
© Webster 1913.
Pul"pit, a.
Of or pertaining to the pulpit, or preaching; as, a pulpit orator; pulpit eloquence.
© Webster 1913.