baluster etymology

Etymology:

  • From Middle French balustre, from Old French balustre, from Late Latin ballista, from Greek βαλλίστρα (ballistra), a fortification, a military engine used for throwing stones.

Meaning:

  • A small, slender column or support, typically turned or carved, used in a balustrade or other ornamental structure.

Origin:

The word "baluster" originally referred to a fortification, specifically a military engine used for throwing stones. Over time, the term came to be used for the small, slender columns that supported the defenses of a castle or other fortification.

The architectural term "baluster" originated in the Renaissance period, when Italian architects began to incorporate classical motifs into their designs. Balusters were often used in balustrades, which are railings that divide or enclose a space.

Balusters became a popular decorative element in architecture, and were used in a variety of settings, including palaces, churches, and gardens. They are often made of stone, wood, or metal, and can be turned, carved, or molded into various shapes and sizes.

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