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Glite Dictionary
arbalest

arbalest

9.9
A large powerful crossbow from the Middle Ages with a steel bow that shoots bolts
  • noun
  • /ˈɑːrbəˌlɛst/
  • Archaic
translation icon : arbalesta
  • Smut, if arbalest means 'most endowed with hairballs', what's the word for "eats a lot of food, drinks a lot of water, then runs up and pukes it all over the bed"?

Examples

  • In medieval battles, soldiers often used arbalests to launch projectiles at enemy fortifications.

  • The blacksmith specialized in crafting powerful arbalests for archers in the king's army.

  • During the historical reenactment, the team showcased their arbalests to demonstrate ancient warfare techniques.

Synonyms

crossbow
vsarbalest
38 6.7

A weapon like a bow that you hold across your body to shoot short arrows

is a larger, more powerful version used in medieval Europe
arbalist
vsarbalest
  • Archaic
9.9

A heavy medieval crossbow with a steel bow

is used across medieval Europe rather than only the late period

Surface Forms

arbalest singular
arbalests plural

Etymology

The word arbalest comes from Old French arbaleste, which joins arc 'bow' and ballista 'stone-thrower' (think of the modern word ballistic). It meant a 'bow-machine', which is why an arbalest is a large, powerful crossbow used in medieval war.