newell
n. countablen. the central post that supports the handrail of a staircase. It is usually the large, strong post at the very bottom or top of the stairs.
n. the central pillar of a winding staircase or the principal post at the foot or head of a flight of stairs. Often serves as the primary structural support for the balustrade.
He rested his hand on the wooden newell at the bottom of the stairs.
The carpenter spent three days carving an intricate design into the oak newell to match the historic home's aesthetic.
In grand Victorian architecture, the newell was frequently topped with a decorative cap or lamp, serving as both a structural necessity and a focal point for the entryway's design.
Commonly referred to as a 'newell post' in modern construction and interior design.