13 July 2017
newel
[noo-uh l, nyoo-]
noun
1. newel post.
2. a central pillar or upright from which the steps of a winding stair radiate.
3. (on an escalator) the horizontal section of railing at the upper or lower end.
Origin of newel
Middle English, Middle French, Late Latin
1325-1375; earlier nuel, Middle English nowel < Middle French no(u)el kernel, newel; Late Latin *nucāle, noun use of neuter of nucālis of a nut, nutlike, equivalent to Latin nuc- (stem of nux) nut + -ālis -al1
Dictionary.com
Examples from the Web for newel
Historical Examples
A discharge of fire-arms followed; but, sheltered by the newel, Catesby sustained no injury.
Guy Fawkes
William Harrison Ainsworth
With a lowering face he watched her descend and, his hand on the newel, confronted her.
Viviette
William J. Locke
The grip of the shadowy presence was fastened on newel, and he knew it.
Lydia Knight’s History
Susa Gates
He had a fleeting impression that she had been for some time where she stood now, by the stairway with her hand on the newel post.
Basil Everman
Elsie Singmaster
Today’s quote
It’s not that I’m stupid. I just don’t think sometimes.
– Colin Farrell
On this day
13 July 1863 – the New York Draft Riots – three days of rioting by opponents of conscription. President Abraham Lincoln had enacted the draft to boost military numbers during the American Civil War. Most opponents were working-class men who resented that the rich could pay $300 to hire a substitute in their place. By the time the rioters were suppressed, there were 120 civilians dead and 2000 injured. Considered to be the worst anti-draft riots in US history.
13 July 1985 – Bob Geldof and Midge Ure organise and stage the Live Aid Concert. The concert was held simultaneously in London, UK, and Philadelphia, USA, to raise money to fight famine in Ethiopia. Similar concerts were performed across the globe in solidarity with Live Aid. The Live Aid concerts were broadcast live to an estimated audience of 1.9 billion people across 150 nations. An estimated £150 million was raised. Some of the world’s biggest musical acts participated, including Elton John, Boomtown Rats, Dire Straits, Mick Jagger, Neil Young, Sting, U2, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Joan Baez, BB King, Paul McCartney, The Who, Black Sabbath, Eric Clapton, Status Quo, Sade, ‘Crosby, Stills & Nash’, George Thorogood, Madonna, Duran Duran, Bob Dylan, and a host of others.