A crossbow is a type of ranged weapon based on the bow and consisting of a horizontal bow-like assembly mounted on a frame which is handheld in a similar fashion to the stock of a gun.
Crossbows shoot arrow-like projectiles called bolts or quarrels.
The crossbow was the first projectile weapon to be simple, cheap and physically undemanding enough to be operated by large numbers without significant training.
In modern times, crossbows have been largely supplanted by firearms in most roles, but are still widely used for shooting sports, hunting and when shooting with relative silence is important.
