ˈcurtail-step
Also 8 curtal-.
[Origin uncertain: curtal adj., and cur tail, have both been suggested.]
The lowest step (or steps) of a stair, having the outer end carried round in the form of a scroll.
| 1736 B. Langley Anc. Masonry 389 The first, or Curtal-step. 1819 in P. Nicholson Archit. Dict. 716. 1852–61 Archit. Publ. Soc. Dict. s.v. Curtail, The newel generally stands upon a curtail step..Curtail steps..are employed in handsome staircases. |