NEWEL

newel

(noun) the central pillar of a circular staircase

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology 1

Noun

newel (plural newels)

(architecture) A central pillar around which a staircase spirals.

(architecture) A sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.

Synonyms

• (central pillar of a staircase spiral): spindle

Etymology 2

Noun

newel (plural newels)

(obsolete) A novelty; a new thing.

Source: Wiktionary

New"el, n. Etym: [From New. Cf. Novel.]

Definition: A novelty; a new thing. [Obs.] Spenser.

New"el, n. Etym: [OF. nual, F. noyau sone, of fruit, noyau d'escaler newel, fr. L. nucalis like a nut, fr. nux, nucis, nut. Cf Nowel the inner wall of a mold, Nucleus..] (Arch.)

Definition: The upright post about which the steps of a circular staircase wind; hence, in stairs having straight flights, the principal post at the foot of a staircase, or the secondary ones at the landings. See Hollow newel, under Hollow.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition