banister

[ban-uh-ster] /ˈbæn ə stər/
noun
1.
a baluster.
2.
Sometimes, banisters. the balustrade of a staircase.
Also, bannister.
Origin
1660-70; apparently by dissimilation from earlier barrister, alteration of baluster, perhaps by association with bar1
Can be confused
baluster, balustrade, banister.
Examples from the web for banister
  • Still another could slowly make his way up a flight of stairs while hanging onto a banister.
Word Origin and History for banister
n.

1660s, unexplained corruption of baluster. As late as 1830 condemned as "vulgar," it is now accepted. Surname Bannister is from Old French banastre "basket," hence, "basket-maker."