A large, powerful crossbow used in medieval times, capable of shooting heavy bolts with tremendous force.
From Old French arbaleste, derived from Latin arcuballista, literally 'bow-shooter' (arcus 'bow' + ballista 'throwing engine'). The term evolved through Romance languages to describe this specific medieval weapon.
Arbalists were so powerful they were the medieval equivalent of machine guns—the Catholic Church actually tried to ban them in 1139 because they were considered too deadly and 'unchivalrous,' but armies kept using them anyway!
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