1. strung with a bowstring; fitted with a taut string for shooting arrows
2. tense, strained, or held in a state of nervous tension
Usage: figurative

1. past tense and past participle of bowstring; to string a bow; to execute by strangulation with a bowstring
Usage: archaic or historical

Examples

• The archer checked that her bow was properly bowstrung before the competition.
• He felt bowstrung with anxiety as he waited for the exam results.
• The bowstrung instrument was ready to fire at a moment's notice.
• She remained bowstrung throughout the tense negotiation.
• The historical account described how the prisoner was bowstrung as punishment.
• After days of stress, she finally felt less bowstrung and more at ease.