Vire
/vaɪər/noun
An obsolete term for a crossbow bolt.
Did you know?In medieval English, a vire referred specifically to a missile launched by a crossbow, linking the word to the lethal technology that transformed warfare and castle defense.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
veru
“A spit, spear, or pointed weapon; commonly proposed as the distant source of the medieval missile term.”
12th Century
Old French
vire
“A crossbow bolt or similar pointed missile.”
13th–14th Century
Anglo-French
vire / viree
“A quarrel or bolt used with a crossbow.”
14th Century
Middle English
vire
“A crossbow bolt; an archaic projectile term.”
Modern English
English
vire
“An obsolete or historical word for a crossbow bolt.”