Arbalest

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A mechanical projectile weapon similar to a crossbow, known for its ability to launch bolts with significant power and precision over long distances
2. This historical weapon resembles a crossbow and is characterized by its enhanced capability to shoot heavy projectiles accurately
3. A type of historical weapon that resembles a crossbow and is designed to launch heavy bolts with great force and accuracy over considerable ranges

Etymology: The arbalest is a crossbow's older and heavier cousin, and its name is a compound of two Latin words that each describe a different kind of weapon. "Arcus" meant a bow, the curved weapon an archer drew by hand, while "ballista" was a large siege engine that hurled stones and bolts by torsion. Late Latin fused them into "arcuballista," a bow mounted on a frame and cocked by mechanical means, which describes the arbalest exactly: a bow with the power of a machine. The word passed into Old French as "arbaleste," and from there into Middle English as "arblast." The English spelling "arbalest" was a later reshaping that brought it closer to the French and Latin forms. Because the weapon was so powerful, it was feared and sometimes restricted, and its name carried that reputation with it.

Synonyms: crossbow