from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Arbalest \Ar"ba*lest\, Arbalist \Ar"ba*list\, n. [OF. arbaleste,
LL. arbalista, for L. arcuballista; arcus bow + ballista a
military engine. See {Ballista}.] (Antiq.)
A crossbow, consisting of a steel bow set in a shaft of wood,
furnished with a string and a trigger, and a mechanical
device for bending the bow. It served to throw arrows, darts,
bullets, etc. [Written also {arbalet} and {arblast}.]
--Fosbroke.
[1913 Webster] Arbalester