Meaning and Origin
What does the name Newel mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Newel
User Submitted Origins
English
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International Interest
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Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
noun New"el
A novelty; a new thing.
Etymology: From New. Cf. Novel
noun New"el
The upright post about which the steps of a circular staircase wind; hence, in stairs having straight flights, the principal post at the foot of a staircase, or the secondary ones at the landings. Also called newel post. See Hollow newel, under Hollow.
Etymology: OF. nual, F. noyau sone, of fruit, noyau d'escaler newel, fr. L. nucalis like a nut, fr. nux nucis, nut. Cf. Nowel the inner wall of a mold, Nucleus
Other Dictionary Sources
- The central pillar of a circular staircase
- The post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs; it supports the handrail
Wiktionary
Ornamented newel at the foot of a staircase.
- (architecture) A central pillar around which a staircase spirals.
- (architecture) A sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.
From Anglo-Norman nuel, Middle French nuel, of uncertain origin.
- (architecture) A central pillar around which a staircase spirals.
- (architecture) A sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.
From new + -el, modelled after novel (“new, original”).
- (obsolete) A novelty; a new thing.