Hypertext Webster Gateway: "banister"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Baluster \Bal"us*ter\, n. [F. balustre, It. balaustro, fr. L.
balaustium the flower of the wild pomegranate, fr. Gr.
balay`stion; -- 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 {Balustrade}. [Corrupted into
{banister}.]
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Banister \Ban"is*ter\, n. [Formerly also banjore and banjer;
corrupted from bandore, through negro slave pronunciation.]
A stringed musical instrument having a head and neck like the
guitar, and its body like a tambourine. It has five strings,
and is played with the fingers and hands.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
banister
n : a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent
people from falling [syn: {bannister}, {balustrade}, {balusters},
{handrail}]
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