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banister.
a baluster.
Sometimes, banisters. the balustrade of a staircase.
Historical Examples

This best of stage seamen since bannisters time was born in 1780, and died only recently.
Haunted London Walter Thornbury

Then up she’d be coming, step by step, houlding on to the bannisters, dot and carry one.
The Manxman Hall Caine

I slid down the bannisters, not only to expedite matters but to save my ankle that had begun to remind me of its existence.
Back at School with the Tucker Twins Nell Speed

He leaned over the bannisters and spied the note on the hall table.
Mary Louise and Josie O’Gorman Emma Speed Sampson

She went up the stairs, and when she had disappeared round the bend of the bannisters, John went into the sitting-room.
The Foolish Lovers St. John G. Ervine

His hand gripped the bannisters, his heart leaped to his throat.
The Devourers Annie Vivanti Chartres

As he pulled the young lady upstairs, she caught hold of one of the bannisters with her hand, on which was a rich bracelet.
Popular Rhymes and Nursery Tales David Goodger ([email protected])

She fell last week over the bannisters of the stairs, and broke her arm.
Records of Later Life Frances Ann Kemble

Hilda leaned upon the bannisters, her arms dropping over from the elbows.
Hilda Sarah Jeanette Duncan

The bannisters are so broad and slippery—the very things for sliding on.
The Visits of Elizabeth Elinor Glyn

plural noun
a variant spelling of banisters
noun
Sir Roger (Gilbert). born 1929, British athlete and doctor: first man to run a mile in under four minutes (1954)
n.

1660s, unexplained corruption of baluster. As late as 1830 condemned as “vulgar,” it is now accepted. Surname Bannister is from Old French banastre “basket,” hence, “basket-maker.”