The arbalest was a late variation of the crossbow coming into use in Europe during the 12th century. A large weapon, the arbalest had a steel prod. Since the arbalest was much larger than earlier crossbows, and because of the greater tensile strength of steel, it had a greater force.

What is an Arbalist?

noun. a powerful medieval crossbow with a steel bow, used to shoot stones, metal balls, arrows, etc.

What does a arcanist mean?

Arcanist, (from Latin arcanum, “secret”), in the 18th century, a European who knew or claimed to know the secret of making certain kinds of pottery (especially true porcelain), which until 1707 was known only by the Chinese.