Băl'us-ter, n.

[Fr. balustre, Sp. balaustre, It. balaustro, from Lat. balaustium, Gr. βαλαύστιον; It. balaustru, Pr. & Sp. balaustra, balaustia, the flower of the wild pomegranate, on account of the similarity of form. It is corrupted into banister, bannister.] (Arch.) (a.) A small column or pilaster, used as a support to the rail of a staircase, &c. (b.) The lateral part of the volute of the Ionic capital. Gwilt.