crossbow

[ kraws-boh, kros- ]

/ ˈkrɔsˌboʊ, ˈkrɒs- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR crossbow ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a medieval weapon consisting of a bow fixed transversely on a stock having a trigger mechanism to release the bowstring, and often incorporating or accompanied by a mechanism for bending the bow.

Nearby words

crossbirth, crossbite, crossbody, crossbolt lock, crossbones, crossbow, crossbowman, crossbred, crossbreed, crossbuck, crosscheck

Origin of crossbow

First recorded in 1400–50, crossbow is from the late Middle English word crossbowe. See cross, bow²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for crossbow

Tyrion, now on the lam for patricide by crossbow, is destined for an unknown foreign port like a diminutive Edward Snowden.
Valar Morghulis: Game of Thrones’ Women Are Going to Rule the World|Scott Bixby|June 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Things take a dark turn when Joffrey forces Ros to beat Daisy with a whip, while he aims his crossbow at the pair.
Game of Thrones’ 8 Most WTF Scenes: Twincest Rape, Shadow Baby, George W. Bush’s Head, and More|Marlow Stern|April 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
All these things make Daryl more than just the cool guy with a crossbow.
A Perfect 'Walking Dead' Episode|Melissa Leon|March 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And Daryl and his crossbow are as lethal as ever—though for a minute there it looked like a falling helicopter might do him in.
‘The Walking Dead’: Season 4 Premiere Reminds Us Why We Love This Show|Melissa Leon|October 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST

In his excitement the youth sprang to his feet, and poised his crossbow.
The Winning of the Golden Spurs|Percy F. Westerman
The air whistled with crossbow bolts, but most were badly aimed and only a few thudded into the baggage.
The Ethical Engineer|Henry Maxwell Dempsey
He looked around as Krannon dragged him through the door, and saw the metal shaft of a crossbow bolt sticking out of his shoulder.
Deathworld|Harry Harrison
This crossbow might be the only thing that keeps us from getting dragged off to be hanged.
The Saracen: The Holy War|Robert Shea
Daoud used both hands to aim the crossbow at him, gripping the horse with his knees.
The Saracen: Land of the Infidel|Robert Shea

British Dictionary definitions for crossbow

crossbow

/ (ˈkrɒsˌbəʊ) /

noun

a type of medieval bow fixed transversely on a wooden stock grooved to direct a square-headed arrow (quarrel)

Derived Formscrossbowman, noun

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

Word Origin and History for crossbow

crossbow

mid-15c., from cross (n.) + bow (n.1).

crossbow

noun

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Origin of crossbow

Examples from the Web for crossbow

British Dictionary definitions for crossbow

crossbow

noun

Word Origin and History for crossbow

crossbow