newel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs; it supports the handrail
    newel post.
  2. noun the central pillar of a circular staircase

WordNet

New"el noun
Etymology
From New. Cf. Novel.
Definitions
  1. A novelty; a new thing. Obs. Spenser.
New"el noun
Etymology
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..
Definitions
  1. (Arch.) 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.

Webster 1913