ˈhandbow
[bow n.1]
An ordinary bow in which the string is drawn and released by hand, as distinguished from a cross-bow.
| 1535 Coverdale 1 Macc. vi. 51 He made all maner ordinaunce: handbowes, fyrie dartes, rackettes. 1549 Compl. Scot. vi. 42 Mak reddy ȝour corsbollis, hand bollis, fyir speyris. 1600 J. Pory tr. Leo's Africa ii. 160 Neither had they any other weapons but hand-bowes (for crosse-bowes were not then used). |