arbalest

or ar·ba·list

[ ahr-buh-list ]

noun

1. a powerful medieval crossbow with a steel bow, used to shoot stones, metal balls, arrows, etc.

arbalest

/ ˈɑːbəlɪst /

noun

1. a large medieval crossbow, usually cocked by mechanical means

Other Words From

• ar·ba·lest·er ar·ba·list·er [ahr, -b, uh, -lis-ter], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbalest¹

before 1100; < Old French arbaleste < Old Provençal < Late Latin arcuballista ( arc, ballista ); replacing Middle English, late Old English arblast < Old French

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbalest¹

C11: from Old French arbaleste, from Late Latin arcuballista, from Latin arcus bow + ballista

Example Sentences

Then Segramore kept the boat off, and Kempion bent his arbalest bow and aimed an arrow at the head of the beast.

From Project Gutenberg

His Queries of course have reference to the long bow, and not to the arbalest, or cross-bow.

From Project Gutenberg

Then opening a large chest that stood against the wall, he rummaged a moment, and at last withdrew an arbalest quarrel.

From Project Gutenberg

"Wrapped round an arbalest-bolt that fell on the ramparts yesterday whilst I was walking there alone," returned Gonzaga coolly.

From Project Gutenberg

Through an arrow-slit he had watched him take down and examine an arbalest, place it on the table and sit down to write.

From Project Gutenberg

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