Po"di*um (?), n.; pl. Podia (#). [L., fr. Gr. , dim. of , , foot. See Pew.]
1. Arch.
A low wall, serving as a foundation, a substructure, or a terrace wall.
It is especially employed by archaeologists in two senses: (a)
The dwarf wall surrounding the arena of an amphitheater, from the top of which the seats began
. (b)
The masonry under the stylobate of a temple, sometimes a mere foundation, sometimes containing chambers
. See
Illust. of
Column.
2. Zool.
The foot.
© Webster 1913.