What is "hollow newel"

Hollow \Hol"low\, a. [OE. holow, holgh, holf, AS. holh a hollow, hole. Cf. Hole.]

1. Having an empty space or cavity, natural or artificial, within a solid substance; not solid; excavated in the interior; as, a hollow tree; a hollow sphere.

   Hollow with boards shalt thou make it.
   --Ex. xxvii. 8.

2. Depressed; concave; gaunt; sunken.

   With hollow eye and wrinkled brow.
   --Shak.

3. Reverberated from a cavity, or resembling such a sound; deep; muffled; as, a hollow roar.
   --Dryden.

4. Not sincere or faithful; false; deceitful; not sound; as, a hollow heart; a hollow friend.
   --Milton.

   Hollow newel (Arch.), an opening in the center of a winding staircase in place of a newel post, the stairs being supported by the wall; an open newel; also, the stringpiece or rail winding around the well of such a staircase.

   Hollow quoin (Engin.), a pier of stone or brick made behind the lock gates of a canal, and containing a hollow or recess to receive the ends of the gates.

   Hollow root. (Bot.) See Moschatel.

   Hollow square. See Square.

   Hollow ware, hollow vessels; -- a trade name for cast-iron kitchen utensils, earthenware, etc.

   Syn: Syn.- Concave; sunken; low; vacant; empty; void; false; faithless; deceitful; treacherous.