An arrowhead with a flat, wide blade designed to inflict maximum damage to game animals or in combat.
From 'broad' (Old English brad, meaning wide) + 'head' (Old English heafod). The compound emerged in Middle English referring to arrow or spear points with wide cutting surfaces, distinct from narrow points used for piercing armor.
Medieval archers chose broadheads for hunting because the wide blade creates massive wound channels that cause quick blood loss—a brutal but effective way to bring down large deer and boar. Modern broadheads still dominate hunting culture and haven't fundamentally changed design in 800 years.
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