Arbalest (Noun)
Meaning
An engine that provided medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The defenders of the castle retreated behind the walls as the attackers set up an arbalest to bombard the gatehouse.
- The arbalest's wooden frame creaked and groaned as the crew loaded the heavy stone into its sling.
- In the trebuchet's absence, the arbalest was brought to the front lines to continue the siege.
- King Edward deployed his arbalest to target the enemy's defenses, shattering walls with massive boulders.
- The arbalest, powered by twisted skeins of animal sinew, launched a barrage of missiles against the fortress.