What is "arbalests"

Usage examples of "arbalests".

He made his own, out of whatever he could find, or take, or steal, parts of cars and rescued bits of machinery, which he turned into hooks and shivs, crossbows and arbalests, small mangonels and trebuchets for breaking walls, cudgels, glaives and knob-kerries.

First marched the bowmen, in even ranks, arbalests half raised, bolts nocked, fingers on triggers.