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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[F.

balustre

, It.

balaustro

, fr. L.

balaustium

the flower of the wild pomegranate, fr. Gr.

βαλαύστιον

; – so named from the similarity of form.]

(Arch.)

A small column or pilaster, used as a support to the rail of an open parapet, to guard the side of a staircase, or the front of a gallery. See

[Corrupted into

banister

Noun.

[L. palus; Eng.pole,pale. This is corrupted into bannister, which I have rejected.]

A small column or pilaster, of various forms and dimension, often adorned with moldings, used for balustrades.