Baluster

bal′ust-ėr, n. a small pillar used as a support to the rail of a staircase, .— adj. Bal′ustered. — n. Bal′us trade , a row of balusters joined by a rail, forming an ornamental parapet to a balcony, . [Fr. balustre —Low L. balaustium —Gr. bal a ustion , the flower of the pomegranate; from the similarity of form.]