a row of posts, joined together at the top, built along the edge of a balcony, bridge, etc. to prevent people from falling off, or as a decoration （阳台、桥等的）栏杆 Word Originmid 17th cent.: from French, from balustre, from Italian balaustro, from balaust(r)a ‘wild pomegranate flower’ (via Latin from Greek balaustion).