arbalest
Steel-bowed crossbow
An arbalest is a large medieval crossbow, typically mounted on a stand or stock and drawn by mechanical means rather than by hand.
More powerful than ordinary crossbows, arbalests could penetrate armor and were used both in siege warfare and on battlefields: The arbalest bolt punched through his chainmail.
Stock-mounted bow mechanism
- windlassCranked cylinder for lifting
- spanningExtending across something
- prodJab to spur action
- stirrupMounted rider's foot support
tiller · nock · fore-end · trigger · stock · nut · lever · rack
Angry verbal dispute
- boltThreaded rod for nuts
- shaftNarrow vertical passage
- broadheadWide-bladed arrow tip
- bodkinBlunt-tipped sewing tool
fletching · vanes · pile · socket · nock · quiver · ammunition · missile
Siege engine for launching
- trebuchetCounterweight-powered projectile launcher
- scorpionStinging arachnid with pincers
- onagerAsiatic wild ass
- mangonelTorsion-powered medieval catapult
siege engine · tension · torsion · projectile weapon · ranged · launcher
Heavily defended military structure
- battlementToothed fortress wall crown
- rampartFortified defensive wall
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
- castleFortified medieval residence
assault · defense · garrison · walls · breach · bombardment · emplacement · crenellation
crossbow
Stock-mounted bow mechanism
stirrup · tiller · nock · fore-end · trigger · stock · nut · lever · rack · pinion
quarrel
Angry verbal dispute
bodkin · fletching · vanes · pile · socket · nock · quiver · ammunition · missile · point
catapult
Siege engine for launching
- trebuchetCounterweight-powered projectile launcher
- scorpionStinging arachnid with pincers
- onagerAsiatic wild ass
mangonel · siege engine · tension · torsion · projectile weapon · ranged · launcher
fortress
Heavily defended military structure
- battlementToothed fortress wall crown
- rampartFortified defensive wall
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
castle · assault · defense · garrison · walls · breach · bombardment · emplacement · crenellation · loophole
infantry
Ground combat troops
- cavalryMounted military force
- skirmisherIrregular advance combatant
- crossbowmanSoldier wielding string-drawn weapon
mercenary · Genoese · tactics · volley · ambush · flank · battle · regiment · company · rank
medieval
Of the Middle Ages
armor · heraldry · crusader · castle · longbow · warfare · chivalry · Hundred Years War · Agincourt · Renaissance