newel

views updated May 11 2018

new·el / ˈn(y)oōwəl/ • n. the central supporting pillar of a spiral or winding staircase. ∎  (also newel post) a post at the head or foot of a flight of stairs, supporting a handrail.

newel post

newel

views updated May 18 2018

newel.
1. Continuous vertical member forming the axis of a circular stair.

2. Upright member set at any turning-point of a stair, or at the top or bottom of a flight, commonly forming part of the framing of the stair, and serving to connect and support the strings and handrails at a turn or end. See also stair.

newel

views updated May 29 2018

newel pillar forming the centre of a winding stair XIV; post supporting the handrail of a staircase XIX. ME. nowel — OF. no(u)el knob:- medL. nōdellus, dim. of nōdus knot.

More From encyclopedia.com