Definition

1. Noun:
   • An arrow with a wide barbed head: A type of arrowhead characterized by its broad, triangular shape with barbs.
   • A mark shaped like an arrowhead; used to mark convicts' clothing: A symbolic arrowhead-shaped mark historically used to identify government-issued clothing worn by prisoners.
   • An arrowhead mark identifying British government property: A specific symbol, resembling an arrowhead or a pheon, used to denote items owned by the British government, particularly in military and institutional contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The archaeologist found a flint broad arrow at the ancient site.
  • In the 19th century, a broad arrow was stamped on the uniforms of Australian convicts.
  • The wooden crate was marked with the broad arrow, indicating it was British Army property.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The as a British government property mark has its origins in the medieval era and was formally established by law in the 17th century. Its use on convict clothing was a practice in the British penal system, notably during the transportation of convicts to colonies like Australia.

Variants and Related Words

• Broad Arrow Mark: Another term for the symbol used on government property.
• Pheon: A heraldic term for a broad arrowhead, often depicted with barbs.

Synonyms

• Arrowhead (for the general shape).
• Government mark (for the symbolic use).
• Broadhead (a type of arrow with a wide cutting tip, similar in concept).

Related Idioms or Phrases

• "Marked with the broad arrow": An idiom meaning something is identified as government property or, historically, that a person is a convict.
  • All the equipment was marked with the broad arrow.

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