broad arrow

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Word: Broad Arrow

Part of Speech: Noun

Explanation:

The term "broad arrow" refers to a specific type of arrow that has a wide, barbed head. This design helps it to be effective for hunting or for use in archery because the wider head can cause more damage or hold better.

Usage:

1. General Meaning: The broad arrow can be used to describe the physical shape of an arrow.
2. Specific Usage in History: Historically, the broad arrow symbol was used to mark clothing or belongings of convicts in Britain. It indicated that these items were government property. It also appears as a symbol on certain items owned by the British government.

Examples:

1. Physical Description: "The archer chose a broad arrow for the competition, as it was more effective for hitting the target."
2. Historical Reference: "The clothing of the convicts was marked with a broad arrow to show that it belonged to the government."

Advanced Usage:

In legal or historical discussions, you might encounter phrases like "broad arrow mark," which refers specifically to the symbol used for identification by the British government.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of the term "broad arrow," but you might hear "broad-arrowed" as an adjective when describing something that has this mark.

Different Meanings:

• In Archery: Refers specifically to the type of arrow.
• In Historical Context: Refers to a symbol used for marking property.

Synonyms:

• For the arrow: Wide-headed arrow, barbed arrow.
• For the marking: Government property mark, convict mark.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "broad arrow." However, you might hear related phrases that discuss marking or ownership, such as "mark your territory," which means to establish or claim something as yours.

Summary:

The "broad arrow" is both a physical object (an arrow with a wide head) and a historical mark used to identify government property, especially in the context of the British penal system.

Academic

Noun

1. an arrow with a wide barbed head
2. a mark shaped like an arrowhead; used to mark convicts' clothing
3. an arrowhead mark identifying British government property