arbalest noun. ['ɑ:bǝlɛst] obsolete exc. Hist. Also arbalist [-bǝlɪst], arblast [-blɑ:st]. OE.
[Old French arbaleste, arbe- (mod. arbalète) from late Latin arcuballista, from arcus bow: see ARC noun, BALLISTA.]
1. A crossbow with a wooden shaft and special drawing mechanism, used for discharging arrows, bolts, stones, etc. OE.

2. = arbalester. ME.

■ arbalester noun a soldier armed with an arbalest; a crossbowman: ME.

■ arba'lestrier noun (Hist.) = arbalester M19.

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