newel

noun

1. the post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs; it supports the handrail

   noun.artifact

   Synonyms newel post

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. the central pillar of a circular staircase

   noun.artifact

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. A novelty; a new thing.

   noun

   Source: webster1913

4. 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 <i>Hollow newel</i>, under <u>Hollow</u>.

   noun

   Source: webster1913