Editing Crossbow (section)

== Terminology ==

A crossbowman is sometimes called an ''[[arbalist (crossbowman)|arbalist]]'', or historically an [[wikt:arbalister#Noun|arbalister]]''.

''Arrow'', ''bolt'' and ''quarrel'' are all suitable terms{{sfn|Loades|2018}} for crossbow projectiles, as was ''[[wikt:vire#Middle English|vire]]'' historically.

The ''lath'', also called the ''prod'', is the bow of the crossbow. According to W. F. Peterson, ''prod'' came into usage in the 19th century as a result of mistranslating ''rodd'' in a 16th-century list of crossbow effects.{{sfn|Loades|2018}}

The ''stock'' (a modern term derived from [[stock (firearm)|the equivalent concept in firearms]]) is the wooden body on which the bow is mounted, although the medieval ''tiller'' is also used.{{sfn|Loades|2018}}

The ''lock'' refers to the release mechanism, including the string, sears, trigger lever, and housing.{{sfn|Loades|2018}}