noun
- Plural of arbalest; large crossbows used in medieval warfare, typically operated by two people and capable of shooting bolts with great force.
Usage: historical; also spelled 'arbalests' or 'arbalists'
Examples
- Medieval soldiers wielded arbalests from castle walls during sieges.
- The arbalests of the 12th century were more powerful than earlier crossbow designs.
- Knights trained extensively to operate the heavy arbalests used in pitched battles.
- Arbalests required significant strength and coordination to load and fire effectively.