Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Baluster

Baluster ({not transcribed}) , noun

[French balustre, Italian balaustro, from Latin balaustium the flower of the wild pomegranate, from Greek balay`stion; -- so named from the similarity of form.]

(Architecture) 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.