crossbow

[kraws-boh, kros-]

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.

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. 2018

Examples from the Web for crossbow

Contemporary Examples

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
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
All these things make Daryl more than just the cool guy with a crossbow.
A Perfect 'Walking Dead' Episode
Melissa Leon
March 3, 2014
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

Historical Examples

He reappeared in his original form, took up his crossbow and shot at the bird.
The Chinese Fairy Book
Various
There was the tip of the dog's tail, and the top of the hunter's crossbow.
Wilfrid Cumbermede
George MacDonald
The arrow is laid on the stock of a crossbow in the proper position for firing.
On Laboratory Arts
Richard Threlfall
He leaped upward, as high as possible, his crossbow in his hand.
Space Prison
Tom Godwin
And already they've got iron swords, the crossbow and even a few muskets.
Adaptation
Dallas McCord Reynolds

British Dictionary definitions for crossbow

crossbow

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

n.

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

crossbow

Origin of .css-1fxfie5{font-size:22px;}@media (max-width:768px){.css-1fxfie5{font-size:18px;margin:0 10px 10px 0;word-break:break-all;word-wrap:break-word;-webkit-hyphens:auto;-moz-hyphens:auto;-ms-hyphens:auto;hyphens:auto;line-height:22px;}}crossbow

Examples from the Web for crossbow

Contemporary Examples

Tyrion, now on the lam for patricide by crossbow, is destined for an unknown foreign port like a diminutive Edward Snowden.

Things take a dark turn when Joffrey forces Ros to beat Daisy with a whip, while he aims his crossbow at the pair.

All these things make Daryl more than just the cool guy with a crossbow.

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.

Historical Examples

He reappeared in his original form, took up his crossbow and shot at the bird.

There was the tip of the dog's tail, and the top of the hunter's crossbow.

The arrow is laid on the stock of a crossbow in the proper position for firing.

He leaped upward, as high as possible, his crossbow in his hand.

And already they've got iron swords, the crossbow and even a few muskets.

crossbow

Word Origin and History for crossbow

n.

Origin of crossbow