crossbow

[ kraws-boh, kros- ]

noun

1. 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.

crossbow

/ ˈkrɒsˌbəʊ /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˈcrossˌbowman, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of crossbow¹

First recorded in 1400–50, crossbow is from the late Middle English word crossbowe. See cross, bow ²

Example Sentences

Men who live in multimillion-dollar houses and type on computers all day but spend their weekends running around the woods with crossbows!

From Time

Previously, scientists deduced these weapons act much like crossbows.

From Science News

When police interviewed Jeremy Farmer, he told them he’d last seen his father in early November 2019, just before he supposedly left on the hunting trip with his gear, including a crossbow and rifles, packed as if he was ready to leave.

From Washington Post

So, unlike the regular crossbow which was usually supported by the shoulder, the balance for Chu-Ko-Nu was kept by only using the hands.

From Realm of History

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

From The 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.

From The Daily Beast

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

From The 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.

From The Daily Beast

“Cross-sector,” “compounding factor,” and inspiring statistics fly like bolts from some particularly cheery crossbow.

From The Daily Beast

Herbert laid down his great axe, set his crossbow, laid a quarrel and levelled into the dark.

From Project Gutenberg

He grasps with his right hand a gun, or crossbow, and looks angrily towards the King, who seems somewhat confused and alarmed.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The Quarel or bolt used for the crossbow is shorter and thicker than that used for the longbow.

From Project Gutenberg

Betwixt the third couple of towers were the butts for arquebus, crossbow, and arbalist.

From Project Gutenberg

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