Definition of "newel" in English

noun

1. (architecture) A central pillar around which a staircase spirals.

2. (architecture) A sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.

noun

1. (obsolete) 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.