A short, heavy bolt with a flat head, used in crossbows or as a fastening device in construction and machinery.
From Middle English 'cross' (from Old French 'crois', ultimately from Latin 'crux') combined with 'bolt' (from Old English 'bolt', originally meaning a short, thick arrow). The compound refers to the distinctive bolt shape used in medieval crossbows.
Medieval crossbolt designs were so effective that many kingdoms banned them in warfare—some thought they were unfairly deadly compared to traditional arrows! The flat-headed design was specifically engineered to pierce armor more effectively than regular arrows.
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