ˈärbələ̇st, -ˌlest noun
also ar·ba·list -_lə̇st, -ˌlist
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English arbelast, arblast, from Old English arblast, from Old French arbaleste, from Late Latin arcoballista, arcuballista, from Latin arcu- (from arcus bow) + ballista — more at arrow , ballista
: crossbow ; especially : one used as a military weapon in medieval and early modern times often having a steel bow and sometimes used to throw balls or stones as well as quarrels