newel noun. ['nju:ǝl] LME.
[Old French nouel, noel knob, from medieval Latin nodellus dim. of nodus knot: see -EL². Cf. NOWEL noun².]
1. The supporting central pillar of a spiral or winding staircase. Formerly also, any of the stones forming such a pillar. Also solid newel. LME.
b. hollow newel, open newel, a central open space or well in a spiral etc. staircase. E17.

2. A post at the head or foot of a staircase supporting a handrail. L17.

■ newelled adjective having a newel (of a specified kind) L17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲