Originally the sub-structure under a column in classical architecture, consisting of a base, dado and cornice, and its developments for other purposes, such as the term or terminus used by the Romans as a landmark. In furniture it is used to support a statuette, vase, candelabrum, etc., the lighter kinds of pedestal being called gueridons, torcheres, or candle-stands. The pedestal was introduced into England in the Decorated Queen Anne period from France, and soon became in its various forms an article of considerable importance. At the beginning of the eighteenth century the knee-hole writing-table was introduced, and the ranges of drawers or cupboards on each side were termed pedestals. Robert Adam developed this idea and designed important pedestals to stand at each end of a side-table, thus suggesting the sideboard as a single piece of furniture. His pedestals were used as cellarets for warming plates, etc., and for the support of large wooden urns or vases to contain knives, spoons, iced water, etc.