1. the string of a bow used to shoot arrows

1. to strangle someone with a bowstring or cord
Usage: archaic; historical

Examples

• The archer carefully replaced the worn bowstring before the competition.
• She pulled back the bowstring and aimed at the target.
• The bowstring snapped just as he was about to release the arrow.
• He checked the tension of his bowstring before each shot.
• The new bowstring was made of synthetic materials instead of traditional gut.
• In ancient times, criminals were sometimes bowstringed as a form of execution.