Bannister

banister.
Sir Roger (Gilbert) born 1929, English track and field athlete: first to run a mile in less than four minutes.
a baluster.
Sometimes, banisters. the balustrade of a staircase.
Historical Examples

He was Pharisaic ally thankful that he was not as that conglomerate group in the bannister box.
The Trumpeter Swan Temple Bailey

“The bannister warrant is still out for you,” returned the man.
The Black Bag Louis Joseph Vance

Silenced was his beloved banjo, and no more would his saengerfests bother old bannister.
T. Haviland Hicks Senior J. Raymond Elderdice

I am prepared to swear, and so is bannister, that it was smooth and unstained.
The Return of Sherlock Holmes Arthur Conan Doyle

It is a fine example of walnut-wood, turned and carved with bannister back and stuffed seat.
The Old Furniture Book N. Hudson Moore

“We are investigating this unhappy business, bannister,” said his master.
The Return of Sherlock Holmes Arthur Conan Doyle

She gripped the bannister while her panic-stricken eyes sought Hughie in the crowded office.
The Fighting Shepherdess
Caroline Lockhart

In bannister’s time, a farce was performed under the title of “Fire and Water.”
The Jest Book Mark Lemon

On the Gym steps was a group of Seniors, singing songs of old bannister, songs tinged with sadness.
T. Haviland Hicks Senior J. Raymond Elderdice

But it is right that bannister should remain corporal, for he is daily improving in the work.
At Plattsburg Allen French

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.”