What is "bowbearer"

n. (context UK historical English) An underofficer of the forest who dealt with trespassers.

In Old English law, a Bowbearer was an under-officer of the forest who looked after all manner of trespass on vert or venison, and who attached, or caused to be attached, the offenders, in the feudal Court of Attachment.

The bow was a renowned English weapon, made of wood from the yew tree.