(also ban·nis·ter ) / ˈbænɪstə(r); NAmE / noun
( BrE also ban·is·ters [ pl. ]) the posts and rail which you can hold for support when going up or down stairs :
to hold on to the banister / banisters
—picture at staircase
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from earlier barrister , alteration of baluster .