newel/ˈnjuː.əl/EtymologyInherited from Middle English nowel, *newel, from Old French noel, from either Early Medieval Latin nōdellus (“buckle”, diminutive of nōdus "knot") or Late Latin nucālis (“nut-like”, derivative of nux "nut"). Doublet of noil and noyau.nounEither of two kinds of supporting post in a staircase.; A central pillar around which some types of spiral staircase are spiralled.Either of two kinds of supporting post in a staircase.; A sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.“We went along the hall to the end and up a flight of stairs with a carved handrail and newel post.”A novelty; a new thing.“1882: Edmund Spenser (Alexander Balloch Grosart, ed) The Complete Works in Verse and Prose of Edmund Spenser He was so enamoured with the newel.”