Arblast

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɑːblɑːst/

Alternative forms

• arbalest
• arbalist

Origin

From Old French arbaleste (modern arbalète), from late Latin arcuballista, from arcus ‘bow’.

Full definition of arblast

Noun

1. obsolete except historical A wooden crossbow with a special drawing mechanism, used to fire bolts, stones etc.
• 1819: “Here be two arblasts, comrades, with windlaces and quarrells — to the barbican with you, and see you drive each bolt through a Saxon brain.” — Walter Scott, Ivanhoe