broad arrow

noun

1. a mark in the shape of a broad arrowhead, placed upon British government property.
2. Archery. an arrow having an expanded head.
3. Heraldry. pheon.

broad arrow

noun

1. a mark shaped like a broad arrowhead designating British government property and formerly used on prison clothing
2. an arrow with a broad head

Word History and Origins

Origin of broad arrow¹

1350–1400; Middle English brod arwe

Example Sentences

One of the most common etchings in the New Forest is a broad arrow head known as "the King's Mark" used to identify trees reserved for building Royal Navy ships, the NPA said.

From BBC

The largest, straightest pines were claimed by the crown and marked with the “king’s broad arrow” — three strokes of a hatchet creating a spearhead design.

From New York Times

“But I am not able to shoot one shot more, My broad arrows will not flee; But I have a cousin lives down below, Please God, she will bleed me.”

From Project Gutenberg

In it, fortunately intact, and with the safety vane locking the detonator-pin, was an incendiary bomb stamped with the broad arrow.

From Project Gutenberg

"Then Robin he bent his noble bow, And broad arrows he let flye; Till fourteen of these fifteen foresters Upon the ground did lye."

From Project Gutenberg