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crossbow
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Crossbow Crossbow depicted in a mural at El Escorial Illustration of three historical archers: one standing and drawing a longbow, another aiming a crossbow, and a Turkish horseman riding while shooting a composite bow.
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Beet. Beta vulgaris. Sugar beet. Two rows of harvested beets.
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Crossbow
Crossbow Stirrup crossbow, French, 14th century

crossbow

weapon
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History

crossbow, leading missile weapon of the Middle Ages, consisting of a short bow fixed transversely on a stock, originally of wood; it had a groove to guide the missile, usually called a bolt, a sear to hold the string in the cocked position, and a trigger to release it. The crossbow, or arbalest, was an important technical achievement that enjoyed the further distinction of being outlawed (at least for use against Christians) by the Lateran...

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