Pronunciation: [ˈɑːblast] (IPA) 
The word "Arblast" is spelled with an "A" followed by "r" and "b" before ending with "last". It refers to a medieval crossbow capable of shooting large, heavy arrows. The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription for "Arblast" is /ɑːrblæst/, where the "A" sound is pronounced as in "car," the "r" sound is rolled, and the "bl" cluster is pronounced together. The "a" in "last" is pronounced as in "cat."
An arblast is a device used in medieval times as a powerful form of crossbow that relied on mechanical tension to project a projectile. This term, derived from the Old French word "arblaste," referred to the weapon's design and function.
The arblast featured a long wooden stock, typically made from a durable hardwood, which provided stability and support. Attached to the stock was a metal prod, also known as a bow, constructed from a flexible material like steel or composite materials. This bow would be drawn back using a winch or lever mechanism, creating high tension through a winding process. The arblast often had a stirrup or foot-loop for easier cocking, providing further leverage to the shooter.
Furthermore, the arblast incorporated a locking mechanism called a trigger, which released the tensioned bow upon pulling, propelling the projectile forward with considerable force. The projectiles, commonly called quarrels or bolts, were short, thick arrows with a wide variety of tips, including armor-piercing heads or barbed heads to increase their lethality.
The arblast was renowned for its accuracy, long-range, and power, making it an effective weapon in medieval warfare and hunting. However, due to its size and complex mechanisms, the arblast required considerable strength and time to reload, making it less suitable for rapid successive shots compared to traditional bows. Nonetheless, the arblast played a significant role in warfare during the Middle Ages, providing a formidable weapon for archers against cavalry and fortified positions.
The word Arblast has its origins in Old French. It comes from the phrase arbaleste, which means a crossbow. The term arbaleste itself later evolved from the Latin word arcuballista, a combination of arcus meaning bow and ballista referring to a type of ancient Roman artillery. Over time, arbaleste was modified into arblast in Middle English, which eventually transformed into the modern English word crossbow.
