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Showing results for arbalest. Search instead for arbalist.
Synonyms

arbalest

American  
[ahr-buh-list] / ˈɑr bə lɪst /
Or arbalist

noun

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


arbalest British  
/ ˈɑːbəlɪst /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • arbalester noun
  • arbalister noun

Etymology

Origin of arbalest

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 Love-at-Arms by Sabatini, Rafael

Its elasticity of aim was far superior, and, most important of all, its rate of fire was something like three to one of the arbalest.

From Poitiers by Belloc, Hilaire

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

From Notes and Queries, Vol. IV, Number 99, September 20, 1851 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Various

"That is a very strong prod of yours," said Johnston, shaking his grizzled head as he glanced at the thick arch and powerful strings of his rival's arbalest.

From The White Company by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir

But, even then, I saw a face at an archère, an ill face and fell, the wolf’s eyes of Brother Thomas glancing along the stock of an arbalest.

From A Monk of Fife by Lang, Andrew