arblast

English

Alternative forms

• arbalest
• arbalist

Etymology

From Old French arbaleste (modern French arbalète), from Late Latin arcuballista, from arcus (“bow”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɑːblɑːst/

Noun

arblast (plural arblasts)

1. (obsolete except historical) A wooden crossbow with a special drawing mechanism, used to fire bolts, stones etc.
   • 1819, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe:

     “Here be two arblasts, comrades, with windlaces and quarrells — to the barbican with you, and see you drive each bolt through a Saxon brain.”

Anagrams

• lab rats, lab-rats