banister

[ ban-uh-ster ]

noun

Origin of banister

First recorded in 1660–70; apparently by dissimilation from earlier barrister, alteration of baluster, perhaps by association with bar¹

“I saw one man, he got tired, and he went over to the banister and he jumped off and killed himself,” she says.
The Haunted Symbol of New Orleans | Nicole LaPorte | August 28, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
Fearing to lose his way, he bawls over the banister, and through the corridors, “Is any one there?”
Checkmate | Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
The hall was as black as a dungeon, but by groping around she found the banister rail, and so made her way upstairs.
Marjorie's Busy Days | Carolyn Wells
Nicole turned to see her father climbing up the stairs, pulling himself along on the banister and leaning on his walking stick.
Shaman | Robert Shea
With a startled cry he lunged forward, clutching at the banister to steady his blundering descent.
Ralestone Luck | Andre Norton

Convulsively grasping the banister with both hands, his broad shoulders formed a mighty buttress against the pressing flood.
The Man-Wolf and Other Tales | Emile Erckmann and Alexandre Chatrian

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