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.

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.

3. A desk, or platform, for an orator or public speaker.

Pul"pit, a. Of or pertaining to the pulpit, or preaching; as, a pulpit orator; pulpit eloquence.

• a raised platorm in a church, usually enclosed, where the minister or preacher stands to conduct the sermon.
  
• the railing at the bow of a boat, which sometimes extends past the deck. It is sometimes referred to as bow pulpit. The railing at the stern of the boat is sometimes referred to as as stern pulpit; other texts use the perhaps more-appropriate term pushpit.