Category details
Categorycrossbows
Alternative termscrossbow, cross-bow
SourceArt & Architecture Thesaurus
Overview
Bows basically consisting of a curved stave mounted crosswise on a center shaft by means of a system of cord or gut bindings or metal bands, the string being drawn back, held, and released by some mechanical means such as a windlass or a rotatable nut. They were in use as early as the 11th century and continue to be used contemporarily for hunting and recreation.