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

There he drew out a fair broad arrow, His bow was great and long, He set that arrow in his bow, That was both stiff and strong.

From The Book of Brave Old Ballads by Gilbert, John, Sir

Corner and his party discovered a yard and some spars marked Bounty, and the broad arrow upon them.

From Voyage of H.M.S. Pandora Despatched to Arrest the Mutineers of the 'Bounty' in the South Seas, 1790-1791 by Thomson, Basil

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.

For on it were cut the British Government broad arrow and the Roman numeral V., which showed that the cartridge was similar to those issued to the Waffs on leaving camp at Kilwa.

From Wilmshurst of the Frontier Force by Prater, Ernest