newel post

a post supporting one end of a handrail at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs.

Origin of newel post

First recorded in 1790–1800

newcomb, newcombe, newcomen, newcomer, newel, newel post, newf, newf., newfangled, newfie, newfound

She turned her face away from him and folded her hands over the newel-post.

Athalie |Robert W. Chambers
This sudden avowal so startled Fairy, that she fell off the newel-post where she had been daintily balancing herself on one foot.

The Dorrance Domain |Carolyn Wells
By means of the newel-post I drew myself upright and listened.

The Mutiny of the Elsinore |Jack London
The corners of Mr. Gryce's mouth betrayed that he noted this change, but he did not turn away from the newel-post.

That Affair Next Door |Anna Katharine Green

They carried Bannister into the open air, for his head had struck the newel-post in his descent.

Wyoming, a Story of the Outdoor West |William MacLeod Raine

newel post

the post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs that supports the handrail Sometimes shortened to: newel