Bowwoman

/ˈboʊˌwʊmən/ noun

Definition

A female archer or woman who uses a bow and arrow as a weapon or in sport, or the female version of 'bowman.'

Etymology

From 'bow' and 'woman': a modern parallel to the medieval 'bowman.' As archery became sport rather than warfare, the term became more inclusive and contemporary.

Kelly Says

Historically, women archers were rarer in European armies, but in some cultures like medieval China and Japan, female archers were trained warriors. Today, Olympic archery is one of the few sports where women compete in identical format to men.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Marked feminine form of 'bowsman'. Marked gendered language signals women as exceptions to the unmarked male default.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'bow rower' as neutral default. Use 'bowwoman' only when gender distinction serves specific narrative purpose.

Inclusive Alternatives

["bow rower"]

Empowerment Note

Women archers and rowers have equal historical contributions; gendered suffixes reinforce male-as-default assumptions.

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