An arbalest is a type of medieval crossbow that was used during the 12th and 13th centuries. There are several synonyms for this word including ballista, crossbow, and quarrel. These terms all refer to weapons that shoot projectiles, typically arrows or bolts. While the arbalest may not be as widely recognized as some other weapons of the era, such as the longbow or the sword, it was still a formidable tool for knights and foot soldiers alike. In today's vocabulary, these terms are still sometimes used to describe any weapon that shoots arrows or other projectiles, especially in the context of medieval warfare or archery.