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

To prevent any mistake, Disease has marked him with her broad arrow.

From English Secularism A Confession Of Belief by Holyoake, George Jacob

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.

All the articles supplied from the royal magazines, and marked with the broad arrow.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

The broad arrow of the King was marked on all white pines, twenty-four inches in diameter, three feet from the ground.

From The Old Coast Road From Boston to Plymouth by Rothery, Agnes