1. a soldier or archer armed with a crossbow
Usage: historical; often used in medieval contexts

Examples

• The medieval army included skilled crossbowmen who could pierce armor from a distance.
• A crossbowman took position on the castle wall to defend against the approaching enemy.
• The crossbowmen were more effective than traditional archers in siege warfare.
• Historical records describe crossbowmen as elite soldiers in 12th-century European armies.
• The tournament featured a competition between crossbowmen and longbowmen.