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Glite Dictionary
handbow

handbow

9.9
A bow that you pull and release by hand
  • noun
  • /ˈhændboʊ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : arco
  • Unlike the crossbow, a handbow requires significant strength to draw.

Examples

  • The archer preferred using a handbow for its speed and simplicity.

  • Historical reenactments often feature the handbow as a primary weapon.

  • The handbow is a popular choice among archers.

  • I prefer using a handbow for target shooting.

  • During the archery competition, the archer won with his handbow after hitting the target in the bullseye.

  • Many traditional archers choose a handbow because it allows for greater control and accuracy.

  • For my next hunting trip, I plan to take my lightweight handbow for a more challenging experience.

Synonyms

bow
vshandbow
95 5.2

A curved piece of wood with a string used to shoot arrows

is defined by being released by hand not by a mechanical trigger
bow and arrow
vshandbow
22 3.3

A weapon using a curved bow to shoot arrows for hunting or fighting

is just the hand-drawn launcher component not including the arrows
longbow
vshandbow
7 8.1

A tall strong wooden bow used in medieval battles to shoot arrows

is any hand-drawn projectile weapon rather than that specific historic type

Surface Forms

handbow singular
handbows plural

Morphology

handbow = hand + bow (transparent) = hand + bow

The meaning is directly derived from the compound 'hand' + 'bow' meaning a bow operated by hand, which a typical learner can infer.

Etymology

The word handbow is made of hand and bow, so it simply means a 'bow used with the hand'. That's why a handbow is a bow you pull back and release by hand, not a crossbow, which uses a device to hold and fire the arrow.