different between crossbow vs crossrow

English

Alternative forms

• cross-bow
• xbow (informal)

Etymology

From Middle English crosbowe, crossebowe, equivalent to cross +? bow.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?k??sb??/

Noun

crossbow (plural crossbows)

1. A mechanised weapon, based on the bow and arrow, that shoots bolts.
2. A portable ballista that can be held in the hand.

Derived terms

• crossbowman

Related terms

• bolt
• quarrel
• ballista

Translations

See also

• arbalest

• Wikipedia article on crossbow

English

Etymology

cross +? row

Noun

crossrow (plural crossrows)

1. A row that crosses others.
   • 1961, California Agricultural Experiment Station, Circular: Issues 501-542

     To achieve straight crossrows, you will need guide lines so that you can align the trees up and down the slope.

2. (obsolete) The alphabet, or Christcross-row.
   • c. 1515–1516, published 1568, John Skelton, Again?t venemous tongues enpoy?oned with ?claunder and fal?e detractions &c.:

     For before on your bre?t, and behind on your back,
     In Romaine letters I never founde lack
     In your cro??e rowe nor Chri?t cro??e you ?pede,
     Your Pater no?ter, your Ave, nor your Crede.