newel post Hear it!

Variant of newel

newel Definition

newel (no̵̅o̅′əl, nyo̵̅o̅′-)

noun

  1. the central upright pillar around which the steps of a winding staircase turn
  2. the post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail
    also newel post

Etymology: ME nowelle < OFr nuel, a nut, fruit pit < LL nucalis, like a nut < L nux (gen. nucis), nut