What does a broken or incomplete column or pillar symbolize in Freemasonry?

The broken column is an emblem of the fall of one of the chief supporters of the Craft 1. Its metaphorical use draws from an ancient Hebrew tradition where columns or pillars signified princes, nobles, or the steadfast supporters of a state 1.

While pillars were historically erected as monuments over tombs to signify the character and spirit of the interred 1, the broken column was not part of the earlier ritual systems compiled by Preston or Webb 1. Its introduction as a symbol in the Third Degree is attributed to Jeremy L. Cross 1.