balustrade
(ˌbæləˈstreɪd)
[a. F. balustrade, f. balustre baluster, after It. balaustrata, Sp. balaustrada.]
A row of balusters, surmounted by a rail or coping, forming an ornamental parapet or barrier along the edge of a terrace, balcony, etc.
| 1644 Evelyn Mem. (1857) I. 96 A terrace at each side having rustic uncut balustrades. 1749 Lady Montague Lett. 48 III. 82 The magnificent bath..circled by a marble balustrade. 1820 Keats St. Agnes xxii, Her faltering hand upon the balustrade, Old Angela was feeling for the stair. 1870 F. Wilson Ch. Lindisf. 102 The altar rail is a turned balustrade. |
| fig. 1829 Scott Anne of G. ii, ‘My arm,’ she said, ‘is but a slight balustrade.’ |