Definition of "pila" []

• In archaeology and art, a mortar, especially one notable archæologically on account of its antiquity or design. (noun)
• The holy-water font in an Italian church, usually a stone vase of considerable richness. (noun)
• Plural of pilum. (noun)
• A stone horse-trough. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "While the pila is filling, sprinkle water on the hard-packed dirt floor in the house, simultaneously shooing the chickens outside, and then sweep."
• "I can tell you one thing, washing clothes on a pila is VERY hard on the clothes."
• "Our “washing machine” is called a pila and it holds gallons and gallons of water that are used for more than just washing clothing."