The Collaborative International Dictionary
arbalet
Arbalest \Ar"ba*lest\, Arbalist \Ar"ba*list\, n. [OF. arbaleste,
LL. arbalista, for L. arcuballista; arcus bow + ballista a
military engine. See Ballista.] (Antiq.)
A crossbow, consisting of a steel bow set in a shaft of wood,
furnished with a string and a trigger, and a mechanical
device for bending the bow. It served to throw arrows, darts,
bullets, etc. [Written also arbalet and arblast.]
--Fosbroke.