Definition

A type of weapon from medieval times that uses a mechanism to launch missiles, similar to a crossbow.

Example

The knight skillfully aimed the arbalest at the target during the tournament.

Conversation

Did you know that the arbalest was a popular weapon in medieval times?

Really? I've heard of crossbows, but I didn't know about the arbalest.

Yeah, it had a special mechanism that made it easier to use.

That sounds interesting! I’d love to learn more about how they worked.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Arbalest comes from the Old French word *arbalète*, which is derived from the Latin *arcus balista* (meaning crossbow). The term combines *arcus* (meaning bow) and *balista* (meaning a type of catapult or crossbow). Thus, an arbalest refers to a type of crossbow that uses a bow mechanism.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'bow' ('arcus') used in a 'crossbow' ('balista') to remember that an arbalest is a type of crossbow.

Visually Confused Words