bowstring

[ boh-string ]

noun

1. the string of an archer's bow.
2. a string, typically of horsehair, for the bow of an instrument of the violin and viol families.
3. (especially in the Ottoman Empire) a similar string for killing people by strangulation.

verb (used with object)

, bow·stringed or bow·strung, bow·string·ing.

1. to strangle with a bowstring or any string or band.

bowstring

/ ˈbəʊˌstrɪŋ /

noun

1. the string of an archer's bow, usually consisting of three strands of hemp

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowstring¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, bowstring is from Middle English bowe streng. See bow ², string

Example Sentences

Loading the arrow with the toes of his right foot, he leans forward to latch the bowstring with a hook attached to his right shoulder.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s where the bowstring had snapped and punished his terrible form.

From Literature

Her bowstring had snapped against her arm once, and the long bruise that formed didn’t go away for more than a week.

From Literature

“Now it will not get caught in your bowstring.”

From Literature

Handle feelings at such length and at such bowstring pitch and they tend to go fetid.

From New York Times