Middle English Dictionary Entry
balester n.
Entry Info
| Forms | balester n. Also balister, balaster. |
| Etymology | OF balestre |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Arbalest, crossbow; (b) a crossbowman.
Associated quotations
a
- c1450 Siege Thebes (Rwl D.82)269 : His ordenaunce for his defence with bowes and balesteres, springaltes and tegrettes.
b
- (1226) Doc.Ireland in RS 5383 : Robertus filius Willielmi balister.
- (1318) Plea R.Edw.II in WSAS 1026 : Richard de Whitechurch Balistar.
- (1442) Let.Bekynton in RS 56.2247 : Piers Arnald..ordeined iiij or moo of balasters and logged theym secretly in a chirch..than the said Piers with his balesters fille upon..and toke the town.