Definition

Noun: A weapon consisting of a bow mounted horizontally on a stock (a wooden frame). The stock has a groove to guide the projectile (called a bolt or quarrel) and a mechanism to hold the drawn bowstring, allowing the user to aim and release the shot with a trigger.

Usage

The word "crossbow" is a countable noun. It refers to the specific type of weapon. It is typically used with articles like "a" or "the" or can be pluralized as "crossbows." * Medieval soldiers sometimes used a crossbow. * The museum has an exhibit on the crossbow. * Hunters in some regions still use crossbows.

Examples

• The archer loaded the crossbow with a metal bolt.
• Compared to a longbow, a crossbow requires less training to use effectively.
• Its invention changed medieval warfare because a crossbow could pierce armor.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Military Context: The term is strongly associated with medieval European warfare and hunting. It is often discussed in contrast to traditional bows (longbows, recurve bows).
• Modern Context: In contemporary use, crossbows are primarily used for sport, target shooting, and hunting, often regulated by specific laws.

Variants and Related Words

• Crossbowman (noun): A soldier or person who uses a crossbow.
• Arbalest (noun): A specific type of late medieval crossbow with a steel bow and a powerful draw.

Synonyms

• Arbalest (a historical synonym for a specific powerful type).
• Bow (a broader, more general term; a crossbow is a type of mechanical bow).

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Crossbow bolt (also called a quarrel): The short, heavy projectile shot from a crossbow.
• Crossbow trigger: The release mechanism.
• To draw/cock a crossbow: The action of pulling back and locking the bowstring into place.

Noun

1. a bow fixed transversely on a wooden stock grooved to direct the arrow (quarrel)