I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English bowestring, from bowe bow + string, streng string — more at bow , string III
: a waxed or sized cord usually of hemp or linen threads joining the ends of a shooting bow
nerves taut as a bowstring
II. transitive verb
( bowstringed or bowstrung ; bowstringed or bowstrung ; bowstringing ; bowstrings )
: to strangle with a bowstring