broad arrow

American  

noun

1. a mark in the shape of a broad arrowhead, placed upon British government property.

2. Archery. an arrow having an expanded head.

3. Heraldry. pheon.

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broad arrow British  

noun

1. a mark shaped like a broad arrowhead designating British government property and formerly used on prison clothing

2. an arrow with a broad head

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Etymology

Origin of broad arrow

1350–1400; Middle English brod arwe

Example Sentences

Social significance marks some of the sculptures: one has the broad arrow of the British "Ban the Bomb" movement.

From Time Magazine Archive

Those concerned with three-cylinders in the broad arrow formation work on one crank-pin, the outer rods being linked to the central master one.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred

A second broad arrow, square across the way.

From The Wolf Patrol A Tale of Baden-Powell's Boy Scouts by Finnemore, John

The position was not ideal, the formation being that of a broad arrow, with the two Army Corps practically at right angles to one another.

From The First Seven Divisions Being a Detailed Account of the Fighting from Mons to Ypres by Hamilton, Ernest W.

If it had not been for her a broad arrow would as likely as not have been the decoration which he would have gained.

From Luck at the Diamond Fields by Belgrave, Dalrymple J.