Newel

(nū'el), n. [Fr. noyau, stone, of fruit, noyau d'escalier, newel, O. Fr. noial, noiel, nueil, nual, from Lat. nucalis, like a nut, from nux, nucis, nut.] (Arch.) The upright post about which the steps of a circular staircase wind; —also the principal post at the angles and foot of a staircase.

☞ In staircases where the steps are pinned into the walls, and there is no central pillar, they are said to have an open newel. Gwilt.