baluster

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“
At the time America was settled the common form of silver spoon in England had what was known as a baluster stem and a seal head; the assay mark was in the inner part of the bowl.

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Definitions (7)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (3)

  1. noun One of the upright, usually rounded or vase-shaped supports of a balustrade.
  2. noun An upright support, such as a furniture leg, having a similar shape.
  3. noun One of the supporting posts of a handrail.

Toggle Century definitions Century Dictionary (2)

Toggle GNU Webster definitions GNU Webster's 1913 (1)

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Examples (50)

  • He reached for the next baluster, putting himself in an awkward angle, almost hanging over Axel. —  F ;SF; - vol 103 issue 02 - August 2002
  • In the fraction of a second between Doc hearing Agnes's voice and his forepaws slipping from the baluster, Doc could distinctly see the light go off in the living room, as if someone had slapped the "off" square on the remote pad. —  F ;SF; - vol 103 issue 02 - August 2002
  • "That's a generous thought, Nan," she said; "but I give you free leave to speak out Even now the girl hesitated, and stood awkwardly balancing herself against the baluster-rail. —  The Governess
  • The next moment she leaned forward to clutch the baluster, and the light of the candle fell full on Emory Keenan, lurking in the open passage. —  The Phantoms Of The Foot-Bridge 1895
  • The baluster was twisted; there was the familiar crick-crack_; the loose step was thrust back, and the boys stood looking into the long box-like opening Wouldn't it be safer to fasten the front door too?" —  Crown and Sceptre A West Country Story
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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. French balustre, from Italian balaustro, from balaustra, pomegranate flower (from a resemblance to the post), from Latin balaustium, from Greek balaustion.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. Also balluster, ballister (and corruptly bannister, banister, q. v.), formerly also ballester; from French balustre, from Italian balaustro (= Spanish Portuguese balaustre), a baluster, small pillar, so called from a fancied resemblance to the flower of the wild pomegranate, from balausto, balausta, balaustra = Spanish balaustra, balaustria = Portuguese balaustia = French balauste, formerly also balustre, from Latin balaustium, from Greek βαλαύστιον, the flower of the wild pomegranate-tree. Cf. Balaustion.
 

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/ˈbæləstər/
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