Newel
WordNet
noun
(1) The central pillar of a circular staircase
(2) The post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs; it supports the handrail
WiktionaryText
Etymology 1
From
Noun
- A central pillar around which a staircase spirals.
- A sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.
Noun
- A novelty; a new thing.
- 1882: Edmund Spenser (Alexander Balloch Grosart, ed) The Complete Works in Verse and Prose of Edmund Spenser
- He was so enamoured with the newel.
- 1882: Edmund Spenser (Alexander Balloch Grosart, ed) The Complete Works in Verse and Prose of Edmund Spenser