broad arrow
- noun
- Archaic
:
flecha ancha
- The museum displayed a broad arrow used during medieval battles.
Examples
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During the excavation, the archaeologists discovered a broad arrow carved on several artifacts.
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He recognized the broad arrow design etched into the old chest's wood.
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A broad arrow was often stamped on government property in Britain.
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The broad arrow was used to mark the trees.
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Many broad arrows were found in the ancient ruins.
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A broad arrow was used to mark government property throughout Britain's history.
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The broad arrow symbolized ownership of land in 18th-century Britain.
Synonyms
1
8.2
A sharp tip for an arrow with wide blades that makes large wounds when hunting
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase literally combines 'broad' (wide) and 'arrow' (arrow/arrowhead), so a learner who knows the words can reasonably infer a wide or arrow-shaped mark. However, the conventional historical meaning—specifically a government property mark used in British contexts—is a cultural/institutional sense not predictable from the parts alone, so full understanding requires prior exposure.
Etymology
Broad arrow originally meant a real arrow with a wide, pointed head used in battle. The picture of that wide arrowhead helps you remember why the word describes this kind of arrow.