1a. One of the upright, usually rounded or vase-shaped supports of a balustrade. b. An upright support, such as a furniture leg, having a similar shape. 2. One of the supporting posts of a handrail.
ETYMOLOGY:
French balustre, from Italian balaustro, from balaustra, pomegranate flower (from a resemblance to the post), from Latin balaustium, from Greek balaustion.
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