banister

[ ban-uh-ster ]

noun

1. a baluster.
2. Sometimes banisters. the balustrade of a staircase.

Word History and Origins

Origin of banister¹

First recorded in 1660–70; apparently by dissimilation from earlier barrister, alteration of baluster, perhaps by association with bar ¹

Example Sentences

I woke the next morning and saw an actual sunbeam gleaming brightly onto the wooden banister outside my window.

From Outside Online

“I saw one man, he got tired, and he went over to the banister and he jumped off and killed himself,” she says.

From The Daily Beast

Fearing to lose his way, he bawls over the banister, and through the corridors, “Is any one there?”

From Project Gutenberg

The hall was as black as a dungeon, but by groping around she found the banister rail, and so made her way upstairs.

From Project Gutenberg

Nicole turned to see her father climbing up the stairs, pulling himself along on the banister and leaning on his walking stick.

From Project Gutenberg

With a startled cry he lunged forward, clutching at the banister to steady his blundering descent.

From Project Gutenberg

Convulsively grasping the banister with both hands, his broad shoulders formed a mighty buttress against the pressing flood.

From Project Gutenberg