Bowstring
/ˈboʊˌstrɪŋ/noun
A cord or string used to connect the ends of a bow and propel an arrow.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, bowstrings were often believed to be imbued with the spirit of the hunt, connecting the archer to both the prey and the divine.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeu̯-
“to swell, to grow, indicating tension or stretching.”
Old English
Old English
boga
“a bow, a weapon used for shooting arrows.”
Old English
Old English
strēng
“a string, a cord used for fastening or connecting.”
Middle English
Middle English
bowstringe
“the string of a bow, specifically crafted to launch arrows.”
Modern English
English
bowstring
“the term we use today for the cord that connects bow limbs to launch arrows.”