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., 716/2.
1852–61. Archit. Publ. Soc. Dict., s.v. Curtail, The newel generally stands upon a curtail step…. Curtail steps … are employed in handsome staircases.
