Arbalist (crossbowman)

[6] Richardson, in his 1839 dictionary,[7] did not make specific reference to the crossbow in his definition of arbalist: "One who casts or shoots from a bow."

Modern arbalists shoot crossbows markedly different from medieval artillerymen.

Current-day target crossbows must conform to various limitations according to the governing body under which the shoot or tournament is taking place.

Both the World Crossbow Shooting Association (WCSA) and GNAS require that the draw weight maximum be 95 lbs and that the minimum bolt (arrow) length be 12 inches.

These organizations differ, however, in allowable maximum bolt length, GNAS citing 15", WCSA 18".