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

See Examples For:

broad arrow

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Not content simply to follow the line of least resistance, he exhibited from the first a spirit and a philosophy unique indeed beneath the broad arrow.

From Stingaree by Hornung, E. W. (Ernest William)

He then gave something to every one present, and to the old man a silver threepence, and some spike-nails, with the king's broad arrow cut deep upon them.

From Narrative of the Voyages Round the World, Performed by Captain James Cook : with an Account of His Life During the Previous and Intervening Periods by Kippis, Andrew

A good bow in his hand, A broad arrow therein, And four and twenty good arrows Trussèd in a thrum.

From Ballads of Robin Hood and other Outlaws Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Fourth Series by Sidgwick, Frank

It is probable that most of the boats of the 'Erebus' and 'Terror' were built by contract, and therefore would not have the broad arrow stamped upon their iron and copper work.

From In the Arctic Seas A Narrative of the Discovery of the Fate of Sir John Franklin and his Companions by McClintock, Francis Leopold