Definition

Noun: A butt shaft is a type of arrow characterized by its blunt tip, lacking the sharp point or barb of a standard arrow. It is specifically designed for target practice, allowing archers to shoot at targets (often called "butts") without causing significant damage to the arrows or the target backstop upon repeated impact.

Usage

The term is used to describe a practice arrow in the context of archery. * The archer retrieved his butt shafts from the straw target. * For safety during training, they used only butt shafts.

Advanced Usage

• Historically, "butt" refers to the earthen mound or target used in archery practice. Therefore, a "butt shaft" is literally an arrow for the butt.
• The term is primarily historical or used in traditional archery contexts.

Variants and Related Words

• Blunt (arrow): A more general modern term for an arrow with a non-penetrating tip, used for practice or small game hunting.
• Target arrow: A broader category that includes both pointed and blunt arrows used for practice.

Synonyms

• Practice arrow
• Blunt arrow
• Target arrow (in a specific context)

Antonyms

• Broadhead (arrow)
• Bodkin point (arrow)
• Hunting arrow

Noun

1. a blunt arrow without a barb; an arrow used for target practice