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Synonyms

arbalest

American  
[ahr-buh-list] / ˈɑr bə lɪst /
Or arbalist

noun

  1. a powerful medieval crossbow with a steel bow, used to shoot stones, metal balls, arrows, etc.


arbalest British  
/ ˈɑːbəlɪst /

noun

  1. a large medieval crossbow, usually cocked by mechanical means

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • arbalester noun
  • arbalister noun

Etymology

Origin of arbalest

before 1100; < Old French arbaleste < Old Provençal < Late Latin arcuballista ( arc, ballista ); replacing Middle English, late Old English arblast < Old French

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On this bird, I deemed, he meant to try his skill with the arbalest.

From A Monk of Fife by Lang, Andrew

"To my mind the long-bow is a better weapon than the arbalest, but it may be ill for me to prove it."

From The White Company by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir

"On thy back," said he sharply, and seizing the arbalest and taking a stroke forward he aided the desired movement.

From The Cloister and the Hearth A Tale of the Middle Ages by Reade, Charles

"That is a very strong prod of yours," said Johnston, shaking his grizzled head as he glanced at the thick arch and powerful strings of his rival's arbalest.

From The White Company by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir

Daoud chose the bigger one, a Genoese arbalest drawn by crank, a present from King Manfred.

From The Saracen: Land of the Infidel by Shea, Robert