A powerful medieval crossbow with a mechanism for drawing and releasing, capable of shooting bolts with great force.
From Old French arbaleste, derived from Late Latin arbalista (crossbow, archer), possibly from Greek arkaballista (a missile-throwing machine). The word traveled through multiple languages as the weapon technology spread.
The arblast could penetrate armor that regular bows couldn't—it was basically the medieval equivalent of a rifle, and it made noble knights in armor vulnerable, which actually helped democratize medieval warfare. Peasants with arblasts could defeat professional warriors, which is why kings tried to ban them.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.