'banister' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the rail that runs along a stair case. For example: "I grabbed the banister as I took the stairs two at a time."
I can still remember the feel of the banister in my hands where, from my vantage point at the top of the stairs, I spied on the people below who spoke in low mourners' mumbles.
What you'll need: a fertile imagination Noise level: escalating Mess level: 0 Danger level: 0 Number of minutes killed: 1 (although the X-rated version could go on for some time) MAKE: TOY PARACHUTES Find out whether Barbie was born to fly or if Big Ted falls like a stone by making parachutes for toys and launching them over the banister.
I keep hold of the banister, gasp audibly, and retreat as fast as my numb stumps of legs will carry me.
I peered over the banister by reception and told the night porter I'd locked myself out.
Warmed to the core but still not convinced, I step outside, gingerly, keeping hold of the banister.
There is a lime-green and pink art deco banister, bricked-up fireplaces, graffiti, a maze of corridors, and, most strikingly, a ceiling mural of the "people's march", which shows demonstrators with fists raised and banners flying.
There is the most beautiful, elegant, curling banister going upstairs to the first floor, where there's a door to a roof terrace, and a big sitting room with a fireplace.
With dark ringlets and white dresses sliding down the banister.
Contemplating the scene below, Everett leans against the banister, and his head pops between them.
