curtail

/kɜːˈteɪl/noun

The curved, scroll-shaped end of a stair step or similar architectural feature.

Example sentences

“The bottom stair finishes in a graceful curtail.”
“The carpenter added a carved curtail to the base of the staircase.”

Almost everyone knows only the verb: to curtail is to cut something short, as when budget cuts curtail plans.

Related words

curtainA hanging piece of fabric used to cover a window, bed, or other opening.curtTo make something shorter; to cut it off or cut it down.cushionA cloth bag filled with soft material, placed on seats or leaned against for comfort.cursorThe small movable marker on a computer screen, often called a pointer, that shows where the pointing device is aimed.customerSomeone who buys, or plans to buy, goods or services from a shop or business.curriculumThe full range of subjects and lessons taught at a school, college, or university.