Archery Glossary
Compiled by Dick Oakes
www.phantomranch.NET
This is an annotated compilation from American and English sources of some of the terms used in archery.
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- 3-D target - Full-sized animal targets usually made of foam construction.
- 5-zone archery - Shooting at a target that has been divided into 5 colored scoring zones that score from the center: gold 9, red 7, blue 5, black 3, and white 1.
- 10-zone archery - Shooting at a target that has been divided into 10 divided scoring zones that score from the center: gold 10 and 9, red 8 and 7, blue 6 and 5, black 4 and 3, and white 2 and 1.
A
- accent stripes - Thin colored laminations that run through the riser section of a bow for decoration and/or added strength.
- action wood - A strong, reliable, laminated rock-hard maple, popular as a limb core wood, that produces particularly hardworking longbows and recurve bows.
- actual peak - The draw weight measured at the archer's draw length using a bow scale.
- adapter - A fixture on a bow for attaching an accessory, such as a bow quiver, bowfishing reel, cable guard, sight or stabilizer. Also, the part of an arrow that permits attachment of a nock or point.
- address - To prepare to shoot by straddling the shooting line.
- adjustable arrow plate - An arrow plate that can be adjusted to allow better arrow flight.
- afterhold - A position of arms, hands, body and head after the string is released.
- aim - To superimpose a sight pin on the center of the target: when not using a sight it is the placement of the tip of the arrow on a particular point for a given distance.
- aiming style - The method or style used to aim a bow and arrow in an attempt to hit a target.
- allow - An archer is said to allow, or make allowance for the wind, when he shoots somewhat wide of the target, and on that side of the target nearest the wind, in order that the wind may bring his arrow into the line of the target.
- aluminum - A metal used in modern archery for making arrow. Also, it is used in the production of wheels and cams as well as the risers on some modern compound bows.
- American round - A competitive archery round in which each contestant shoots 30 arrows at 60 yards, 30 at 50 yards, and 30 at 40 yards.
- AMO length - A standardized length for measuring bow strings (see "Archery Trade Organization").
- anchor - To place the drawing hand on a definite spot on the body, usually on the face, when at full draw.
- anchor point - A definite place on the archer's body to which the string hand is brought on the draw. It helps to give consistency to an archer's efforts (a.k.a. "reference point").
- angle of violation - When a bow's back is out of parallel with the original tree surface, the angle at which violated wood fibers approach the back. The greater the angle the more likely an unbacked bow will break under tension.
- animal glue - A cement found in pellet form, it must be soaked in water then heated before it can be used. Its main use in bow making is for gluing on backings such as sinew and hide (a.k.a. "pearl glue").
- animal round - A competitive archery round in which each cntestant shoots at lifelike animal targets from 10 to 60 yards.
- animal target - A target on which the image of an animal has been printed.
- Apache draw - An anchoring point on the cheek directly under the dominent eye.
- aperture rear sight - A device that anchors the string at eye height that the archer looks through at a sight pin which aids in precise sight alignment.
- apron - Any part of the target outside of the last ring. An arrow hitting in the apron counts zero (a.k.a. "petticoat," "spoon," or "skirt").
- arbalest - A later version of the crossbow that came into use in Europe during the 12th century.
- arbalist - A person who shoots a crossbow.
- arbrier - The stock of a crossbow.
- arc - The path of an arrow in flight (a.k.a. "parabolic arc").
- archer - A person who uses a bow to shoot arrows (a.k.a. "bowman").
- archer's pair - Two arrows and a spare (a.k.a. "arpair").
- archer's paradox - The way in which an arrow clears the bow on realease by bending the riser. The flexing of the arrow is more pronounced with finger shooters and less so with those archers who use a release aid. It is more pronounced with aluminum arrows than with carbon arrows (a.k.a. "paradox").
- archer's paralysis - A psychological problem in which the archer "chokes" under pressure, loses his aim, or becomes incapable of releasing when aligned on a target (a.k.a. "archer's catalepsy [an old term]," "buck fever," "gold fever," "gold shyness," or "target panic").
- archery - The practice of using a bow to shoot arrows.
- archery darts - A competition using a normal bow, arrows, and boss but with a paper dart board, 30 inches in diameter, instead of the usual face.
- Archery Trade Association (ATA) - A trade association of archery equipment manufacturers, formerly known as the American Manufacturers Organization (AMO).
- arm guard - A device, usually of leather, worn on the forpart of the arm holding the bow, to protect the arm from the snap of the bow string (a.k.a. "armguard" or "bracer").
- arrow - A shaft sharpened at the front and with feathers or vanes at the back, shot from a bow as a weapon or for sport.
- arrow case - A container made of wood or plastic in which arrows are transported with each arrow held separate from another (a.k.a. "ascham").
- arrow clearance - To verify if the arrow is clearing the bow without any contact, cover the arrow with baby powder, shoot the arrow, and verify the bow, rest, cables, and sight window to determine if any powder shows. If so, adjust the nock, fletch, or rest.
- arrow fletching - The stabilizing fins or vanes of an arrow, usually made from feather or plastic, used to guide an arrow in flight (a.k.a. "fletching" or "fletchings").
- arrow holder - A self-adhesive guide that is put on a bow to hold an arrow in shooting position, even if the bow is held upside-down.
- arrow level - A device that checks the horizontal and vertical position of a bow for nock and sight installation.
- arrow nock - The notch in the end of an arrow into which the bow string is fitted (a.k.a. "nock").
- arrow pass - The spot above the grip where the arrow passes the bow.
- arrow plate - A piece of hard or soft substance inlayed in the bow where the arrow crosses it, to protect the bow from excessive wear.
- arrow rest - A device on which the arrow rests during the draw, located just above the bow handle (a.k.a. "rest"). Also, a device used to hold the arrow against the handle until it is released.
- arrow saw - A saw used to safely cut aluminum and carbon arrow shafts. Typically, an arrow saw will have a cutting wheel with electric motor, arrow nock support, and arrow support surrounding the cutting wheel.
- arrow scale - A device that measures the weight of an arrow.
- arrow shaft - A rod used to make an arrow (a.k.a. "arrow shaft" or "stele").
- arrow shelf - The horizontal projection at the bottom of the sight window that can be used as an arrow rest. It is usually found on hunting bows.
- arrow spacer - A circular piece of leather pierced by 24 holes that is used to keep the shafts of a sheath of arrows apart from each other to prevent damage to the flights during transport.
- arrow spinner - A rigid frame with four precision ball bearings that allow an arrow to be spun to see any wobble.
- arrow squaring device - A tool for squaring and de-burring the ends of aluminum or carbon arrows.
- arrow stand - A device for holding arrows in readiness for shooting. Unlike a quiver, an arrow stand is set on the ground and holds the arrows upright, tip toward the ground.
- arrow straightener - A device that straightens wood or aluminum shafts.
- arrow taper tool - A device that cuts wood shaft nock and point tapers.
- arrow tracer - Cross-cut white rabbit fur applied to the rear of the arrow to allow it to be seen in flight under dark conditions.
- arrow wrap - An adhesive label applied to the rear of an arrow shaft to provide a surface on which to glue fletching.
- arrowhead - The pointed end of an arrow (a.k.a. "arrow head," "head," "point," "pyle," or "nib").
- arrowsmith - The maker of metal arrowheads and points, as opposed to a "fletcher" who makes arrows.
- Archery Trade Organization (ATO) - Formerly the Archery Manufacturers and Merchants Organization (AMO), it is the organization for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales representatives and others working in the archery and bowhunting industry.
- arm - The upper or lower parts of a bow, from the handle or riser outward, that bends when the string is drawn. It is the working part of the bow where the energy is "stored" (a.k.a. "limb").
- arrester - A silencer on a compound bow that is attached at some point along the riser or at the ends of the limbs that extend back toward the bow string (a.k.a. "string stop").
- artillery - An archaic term for bows and arrows.
- ascham - A slender wooden case, pronounced "ask-am," used to hold bows and arrows (a.k.a. "arrow case").
- at home - Said of an arrow which hit the target or came fairly close to it.
- atlatl - An ancient instrument used to throw a long feathered arrow-like dart that is used to increase the user's throwing power.
- axle-to-axle (ATA) - The distance between the two pivotal axles that hold the cams onto the limbs on a compound bow.
B
- back - The side of the bow that is on the opposite side to the bow string.
- back quiver - A device used to hold arrows at the archer's back.
- back tension - The active engagement of the back muscles during the shot process. The tension should be felt through the shoulder blades. One of the critical components of a clean shot and unique to learning archery (a.k.a. "tension").
- backed bow - A bow that has been strengthened or reinforced by the addition of a strip of wood, fibre, leather, rawhide, etc. along the back of the bow.
- backing - Material placed on the back of a bow to help reinforce the limbs. The material may be whale baleen, fiberglass, hickory, rawhide, sinew, or a variety of other materials.
- backset - A longbow design where unbraced limbs angle backward, away from the archer, in a reflexed position. This design "preloads" the limbs of the bow when braced.
- backstop - An area behind the target capable of stopping errant arrows.
- backstop netting - A net placed behind targets in the overshoot area to arrest arrows that have missed the targets.
- bale pin - A head and shank used to attach paper targets to foam or hay bales (a.k.a. "face pin" or "target pin").
- balloon feather - A feather that has been cut parabolic or curved.
- banana fletch - A design with the highest portion of arc at or near the middle of the fletching and tapering off at both ends equally.
- barb - Part of an arrowhead that flows back behind the ferrule, preventing the head from being extracted easily, as on a fishing arrow (illegal for bowhunting today). Also, one of the hair-like branches growing from the shaft of a feather.
- bare shaft - An arrow without fletchings.
- bare shaft testing - Shooting un-fletched arrows, to adjust nocking point, arrow rest position, etc. for best flight.
- bare-bow - A method of shooting that does not include a bow sight using "instinctive shooting' (a.k.a. "bare bow" or "barebow").
- barred fletching - Feathers with a striped appearance as naturally found on wild turkeys or dark domesticated birds. Artificial barred feathers are common and less expensive.
- barrel-tapered arrow - An arrow that has a thick part in the center that tapers down on both ends (a.k.a. "barrelled arrow").
- basic technique - The fundamental technique of shooting a bow and arrow. It is usually the style taught to a person on their introduction to archery.
- bast - Foam or a coil of twisted straw that is behind the target face and to which the face is attached (a.k.a. "boss").
- bastard string - A string used to draw a crossbow so that the regular string can be strung.
- battle clouts - A competition in which 36 broadhead arrows ar shot 200 yards to a large target.
- bearing arrow - An arrow that possesses a steady flight.
- belly - The side of the bow nearest the bow string (a.k.a. the "face").
- bend - To string or brace a bow.
- bending in the handle - A bow that bends throughout its length, as in the case of war bows, rather than having a stiff non-bending handle area such as those seen on most target bows. Bending in the handle is also known as a D-shaped tiller and when the bow forms a perfect arc of a circle it can be described as a bow that comes round full compass.
- berger button - An adjustable spring-loaded contact for the arrow as it sits on the rest that is mounted perpendicular to the arrow (a.k.a. "button," "cushion plunger," "pressure button," or "plunger").
- berger hole - Used to attach the arrow rest to a compound bow.
- billet - A length of wood used in making selfbows that are split from a side-by-side position on the same log to obtain similar limb performance characteristics, and spliced in the handle section of the bow.
- bird point - An arrow point with loops of wire that tangles a bird's wings to bring them to the ground.
- black - The third double ring outside of the gold center of a target.
- blank bale shooting - Shooting at a target butt with no target face that is used for form training.
- blue - The second double ring outside of the gold center of a target.
- blunt - An arrow having a tip that is flattened. It is usually a metal cap that fits on the end of the arrow shaft and is often used for hunting small game at short distances.
- bobtail arrow - An arrow that has the greatest cross section at the front and tapers down toward the back (a.k.a. "bobtailed arrow").
- bodkin point - A sharp, pointed arrowhead having three or four sides that, in ancient times, was used to penetrate chain mail armor.
- body alignment - The relationship of the archer's legs, hips, trunk, and shoulders.
- bolt - A crossbow projectile (a.k.a. "quarrel"). Also, to shoot the arrow hurriedly.
- boson - An arrow that has a head consisting of a rounded knob with a sharp projecting point.
- boss - Foam or a coil of twisted straw that is behind the target face and to which the face is attached (a.k.a. "bast").
- bouncer - An arrow that rebounds off the scoring area of the target face (a.k.a. "bounce out" or "rebound").
- bow - A device made of one or more pieces of flexible material with a string connecting the two ends that is used to propel an arrow and which is used for sport or hunting.
- bow arm - The arm that holds the bow.
- bow brace - A device that holds the bow string at varying positions along the draw curve allowing for tiller check and setup.
- bow case - A container of hard or soft leather or other material that holds a bow. Some also hold arrows and other archery tackle.
- bow efficiency - The ratio of kinetic energy received by the arrow to that stored by the bow.
- bow grip - The handle of the bow, where it is held by the archer (a.k.a. "grip").
- bow hand - The hand that holds the bow (a.k.a. "shooting hand").
- bow-hand-side - The side of the body or target associated with the bow hand.
- bow holder - A stand for holding a bow upright that is placed on or stuck into the earth.
- bow length - The length of a bow, commonly measured from nock to nock, along the back of the bow.
- bow mark - An archery target.
- bow nock - The tip of the bow limb that is grooved to accept the bow string (a.k.a. "nock").
- bow notch - The groove that holds the arrow to the bow string when the bow is strung (a.k.a. "notch" or "string notch").
- bow performance - The sum total of all the different aspects of shooting a bow that satifies the individual. Common aspects are accuracy, arrow speed, degree of handshock, durability, handle comfort, quality, looks, smoothness of draw, and travelling convenience.
- bow press - A tool used on a compound bow to relax the tension on the bow string by flexing the bow limbs inward.
- bow rack - A device used to hold bows while they are not being used.
- bow ribbon - A piece of leather, string, or ribbon attached to the bow string loop on one side and the bow limb tip on the other. It is used to keep the bow string taught when the bow is unstrung (a.k.a. "string keeper").
- bow scale - A device that measures the draw weight of a bow at any stage of the draw (a.k.a. "bow-scale").
- bow shot - The distance that an arrow flies fro the bow (a.k.a. "bow-shot").
- bow sight - A mechanical device, attached to the bow, that enables an archer to sight directly on the target, which the archer cannot do with the tip of the arrow except at a point-blank range (a.k.a. "sight").
- bow sling - A strap fastened to either the bow or the archer's bow hand that keeps the bow from falling after the string is released. It is used if the archer shoots with a relaxed bow hand (a.k.a. "sling" or "martingale"). Also see "finger sling" and "wrist sling."
- bow sock - A shell that slips over a bow to protect it from the elements.
- bow square - A T-shaped device that clips on the bow string and that is used for measuring the bracing height and nocking point position when bow tuning (a.k.a. "bracing gauge").
- bow stave - A roughly trimmed length of wood from which a self bow is fashioned (a.k.a. "stave").
- bow string - The cord of a bow, often made of linen threads, to launch an arrow that is generally three to four inches shorter than the bow (a.k.a. "bowstring," "brace," "cord," or "string").
- bow stringer - A device using leather pouches (or other materials) on each end, or a pouch on one end and a loop on the other, to string and unstring a bow (a.k.a. "stringer" or "recurve stringer").
- bow tip - The outer end of a bow limb, often reinforced with bone, horn, wood, or other dense material, where the bow string is attached.
- bow tip protector - A small, pliable cap that is placed on the tip of the lower limb to protect if from excessive wear produced from contact with the ground, floor, or shoe.
- bow tuning - Adjusting the setup of a bow to obtain the best grouping of arrows.
- bow tuning fixture - A device that allows the setup of a bow to obtain the best grouping of arrows.
- bow vise - A device for setting up bows for uphill or downhill shooting.
- bow weight - The weight, measured in pounds, used to bring the bow to full draw of twenty-eight inches (a.k.a. "draw weight," "poundage," or "weight").
- bow window - The cut-out section of the bow above the handle that allows the arrow to come closer to the centerline of the bow. It aids in reducing the effects of the "archer's paradox" (a.k.a. "sight window" or "window").
- bow woods - Woods considered suitable for making self bows, such as ash, elm, hickory, lemonwood, oak, Osage orange, sycamore, and yew.
- bow wrap - A strip of leather, polyurethane, or other material that is wrapped around the grip to provide a consistant and firm hold.
- bowbender - A slang term used for archers, usually more appropriate for stick bow shooters.
- bowfisher - A person who fishes with a bow and arrow.
- bowfishing - The use of archery equipment to catch fish.
- bowfishing equipment - Tackle used for bowfishing that includes 1) arrows without fletching and with a specialized barbed point; 2) line made from braided nylon, Dacron, or Spectra, usually of four-hundred pound test; 3) a reel of hand-wrap, spincast, or retriever style; and 4) polarized sun glasses.
- bowhunter - A person who hunts with a bow and arrow.
- bowhunting - The use of archery equipment to hunt game.
- bowhunting pocket tool - A stainless-steel pocket tool, made especially for bowhunters, that includes a bit driver, bowhead wrench, carabiner, ceramic broadhead sharpening stick, and gut hook.
- bowman - A person who uses a bow to shoot arrows (a.k.a. "archer").
- bowyer - A person who crafts, builds, makes, or repairs traditional bows.
- bowyer's knot - A knot that makes an adjustable loop to quickly change the length of the bow string. It is usually the bottom loop of a Flemish bow string (a.k.a. "timber hitch").
- brace - To bend and string a bow to its recommended brace height. Also, the cord of a bow, often made of linen threads, to launch an arrow that is generally three to four inches shorter than the bow (a.k.a. "bow string," "cord," or "string").
- brace height - The distance from the string to the pivot point of the bow's grip when it is strung (a.k.a. "bracing height," "fistmele," or "string height").
- braced bow - A bow that is strung and ready for shooting.
- bracer - A device, usually of leather or plastic, worn on the forpart of the arm holding the bow, to protect the arm from the snap of the bow string (a.k.a. "archer's guard," "arm guard," or "armguard").
- bracing - The act of attaching a bow string to a bow.
- bracing gauge - A T-shaped device that clips on the bow string and that is used for measuring the bracing height and nocking point position when bow tuning (a.k.a. "bow square").
- bracing height - The distance between the bow string and a specified point on the bow, usually but not always the arrow rest.
- breaking point - The minimum amount of weight necessary to cause a bowstring to break.
- breast - The portion of the arrow about six to seven inches from the nock that touches the bow when the arrow is placed on the string ready to be drawn.
- breasted arrow - An arrow that is thickest at the breast, tapering toward the ends.
- broad arrow - An arrow with a broad barbed head.
- broadhead - A sharp-bladed metal head used for hunting live game (a.k.a. "broad head").
- broadhead sheath - A cover that protects broadheads and keeps them sharp while in a quiver.
- broom handle - A grip with very little throat or inset part of the riser (a.k.a. "broomstick grip" or "straight grip").
- brush button - A rubber knob placed on the bow string where the string touches the belly to prevent brush from getting caught between the bow string and limb tips. It also may quiet string noise.
- buck fever - A psychological problem in which the archer "chokes" under pressure, loses his aim, or becomes incapable of releasing when aligned on a target (a.k.a. "archer's catalepsy [an old term]," "archer's paralysis," "gold fever," "gold shyness," or "target panic").
- buffalo horn - The harvested horn from the bison. A hard and strong material that works well and takes a high polish. It is the most commonly used material for longbow nocks (a.k.a. "horn").
- bull - An abbreviated term for the bullseye or center portion of a target.
- bullet point - An arrow point fashioned like a rifle bullet.
- bullseye - The center gold portion of a target. It is the area with the highest scoring value (a.k.a. "bull's eye").
- bumping - A bow-maintenance technique that requires a small amount of force in the opposite direction of a twist in a bow to bump it back into the correct form.
- burn - A full-length feather shaped with a burner.
- butt - A backstop for halting arrows shot at a target without damage. Usually made of foam blocks or baled materials.
- butt fields - A archaic 15th century term for public archery practice grounds in England.
- buttmate - The people you share a Butt with (usually one to three) in a competition, as most competitions rotate archers to compensate for lack of space or butts. Scoring is often recorded by archers on the same butt.
- button - An adjustable spring-loaded contact for the arrow as it sits on the rest that is mounted perpendicular to the arrow (a.k.a. "berger button," "cushion plunger," "pressure button," or "plunger").
- butts - A practice field with mounds of earth that are used as targets.
C
- cabinet scraper - A tool used by bowyers to precisely remove very small amounts of wood. It consists of a metal plate with either straight or curved sides filed square along each edge. The cutting or scraping edge is achieved by running a hard metal rod down an edge of the scraper using a rolling motion and enough pressure to create a microscopic burr along that edge. The cabinet scraper is then used as a highly efficient scraper that can remove extremely fine wood shavings.
- cable - Wires used to provide a mechanical advantage on compound bows.
- cable guard - A device used to hold the cables away from the path taken by the arrow when it is drawn or shot.
- cable rod - A guard on a compound bow that protrudes rearward (perpendicular from the riser) towards the bow string that keeps the cables out of the arrow's line of flight.
- cable roller - A roller that has replaced the standard cable rod/cable slide system on a compound bow that incorporates wheels to move the cables.
- cable slide - A system that attaches to the cable rod that holds the cables.
- cables - The cables that are tied into the bow string and work with the cams on a compound bow during the draw process and execution of the shot.
- calculated peak bow weight - The draw weight measured at the archer's draw length, and adjusted to take into account such variables as arrow type and type of release.
- cam - A wheel-like pulley mounted on the limb tip of a compound bow that is used to decrease the amount of weight held on the bow string at full draw.
- cam bow - A two-wheel compound bow that has cams rather than round eccentric wheels.
- cam lean - A term that describes the amount that the cam, or cams, are tilted or canted off of the vertical center of the bow.
- cammed limb - A compound bow limb designed with cam action at the base of the limb rather than its tip.
- cammed limb bow - A bow design that has cammed limbs.
- cant - To tip or hold the bow to the right or left of vertical while at full draw. The reference to right or left is determined by the position of the top limb. Also, the direction in which the bow is tilted.
- cap dip - Color applied to the back part of the arrow shaft in various lengths up to about ten inches. The cap dip helps an archer find an arrow in grass or brush and is also used for decoration (a.k.a. "crown dip").
- carbon fiber - A material used in modern archery for the production of arrows and bow limbs.
- carriage bow - A longbow, recurve, or selfbow that can be taken apart into two or three pieces, usually by bolts, sleeve or hinge, for convenience of storage or transportation (a.k.a. "jointed bow," "take down bow," "takedown bow," or "TD bow").
- cascamite - A powdered resin wood glue often used to glue together the wood strips in laminated longbows.
- cast - The farthest distance a bow will shoot an arrow. Also, a flaw or defect in a bow or arrow.
- cease fire - A call used to warn archers that someone has made the mistake of walking downrange while other archers are still shooting (see "clear").
- center serving - The thread wrapped about the bow string (now made of metal) to prevent the arrow or the archer's fingers from fraying the string, causing it to break (a.k.a. "serving").
- center shot - The position of an arrow on the arrow rest, perpendicular to the bow string and the center line of the bow.
- centerline - The relationship of the bow string to its limbs. It is usually a line that evenly divides the limbs when the undrawn bow is viewed from the string side or face.
- centershot bow - A bow that has the lower part of the sight window cut past its centerline.
- central - An anatomical term meaning closer to the center of a body or object.
- check - A small crack paralleling the grain, usually from too-rapid drying.
- chest guard - A protective device that covers the side of the archer's chest that is nearest the bow and which keeps clothes out of th path of the bow string during shooting (a.k.a. "chest-guard" or "chest protector").
- chested arrow - An arrow that is thickest toward the nock end and tapers to the point and nock.
- chronograph - A device for measuring the speed of a shot arrow.
- chrysal - A hairline crack on the belly of a selfbow, running horizontally across the grain (a.k.a. "crisal" or "fret").
- clarified calfskin - A processed calfskin most commonly used for backing selfbows (a.k.a. "rawhide").
- classic form - A method of shooting with as little deviation as possible from normal body position.
- claw - A hook on the belt of a crossbowman used to draw the string on a crossbow (a.k.a. "graffle").
- clear - A call used to tell archers that shooting has ended and that they may fetch their arrows (a.k.a. "collect").
- clicker - A small strip of metal, mounted on the sight window of the bow in front of the arrow rest, that gives a precise indication of when full draw with an audible click.
- closed stance - A shooting stance where the line of the shoulders is more than 180 degrees taking a line from the shooting position to the center of the target.
- cloth yard arrow - An archaic term for an arrow of about 36 inches in length used in medieval England. It was measured as the distance between the finger tips, when the arm is held out horizontally at shoulder height, and the tip of the nose (a.k.a. "cloth-yard arrow" or "clothyard arrow").
- clout - A 48-foot target with a 1-1/2-foot center used in long-distance archery, archery-golf, and clout shooting.
- clout archery - A form of target shooting in which the the arrow is shot into the air at a flag or a 48-foot target on the ground from a distance varying between 120 and 180 yards (a.k.a. "clout shooting").
- cluster - Arrows in a target in the same general area.
- coach - A tutor or teacher of archery.
- cock feather - On an arrow with three feathers, the feather that is set at right angles to the nock. It is usually a different color from the other two (hen) feathers. All three feathers guide the flight of the arrow (a.k.a. "index feather" or "index fletching").
- cocker - A quiver.
- collapse - A loss of muscle control prior to release of the arrow. Also, to lose muscle control to release of the arrow.
- collect - A call used to tell archers that shooting has ended and that they may fetch their arrows (a.k.a. "clear").
- come down - A call used to tell an archer that he or she should bring the bow down to a relaxed position.
- commence shooting - A call made when all archers have returned from fetching their arrows and are ready to shoot (a.k.a. "go," "hot," or "line is hot").
- composite bow - A bow made of two or more kinds of laminated materials.
- compound bow - A hand-drawn, hand-held bow that stores more energy than a recurve bow through the use of cables and pulleys. When a compound bow rated at 60 pounds is being drawn, the draw weight held on the fingers at full draw is only 20 pounds.
- compound crossbow - A crossbow fitted with pulleys dating from the 15th century.
- compressed shaft - An arrow shaft that has been compressed for strength and straightness having a high density, small diameter, and heavy weight (a.k.a. "forgewood")
- compression - The shortening force felt at the belly as the bow is drawn.
- conical point - A target arrow point with an abruptly conical shape that deflects more than bullet points when striking other arrows.
- cord - The string of a bow, often made of linen threads that is generally three to four inches shorter than the bow (a.k.a. "bow string," "brace," or "string").
- cordovan - Leather from the rear of a horse with a smooth texture that is used for shooting gloves and tabs to allow a smooth release of the bow string.
- core - The material in the middle of a laminated bow.
- course - The range on which field rounds are shot. It is usually composed of 14 or 28 targets.
- cranequin - A rack-and-pinion tuned by a crank that is used to draw a medium-sized crossbow (a.k.a. "cric").
- creep - Allowing the shooting hand to edge forward while shooting. The draw length is not maintained before release (a.k.a. "creeping").
- crest - Colored marks near or among the feathers on an arrow for identification purposes. In competition, all arrows must be numbered and have either crests or the archer's name or initials to enable individual arrows to be identified (a.k.a. "cresting").
- crester - A device used to turn an arrow easily when applying the colored cresting bands (a.k.a. "crestor").
- cresting lathe - A device used to apply crests (or "signatures") to arrows.
- cresting paint - High-gloss enamel exterior grade paint and sealer for making crests on arrows.
- cric - A rack-and-pinion tuned by a crank that is used to draw a medium-sized crossbow (a.k.a. "cranequin").
- chrisal - A hairline crack on the belly of a selfbow, running horizontally across the grain (a.k.a. "chrysal" or "fret").
- chronograph - A device that measures the velocity of a shot arrow.
- cross dominance - A condition where the dominant eye is reversed from the dominant side of the body. The best solution is to change to an other-handed shooting form.
- cross hair - A sight that has two fine lines that cross at right angles. The intersection of the lines is used to line up on the given aiming point.
- crossbow - A bow mounted horizontally on a gun-like stock and whose short arrows are known as bolts. In olden days, the crossbow was used as a very powerful weapon the heavy bow being cranked up by a mechanical means, and the arrow released by pulling a trigger, the whole device being held and aimed like a rifle (a.k.a. "latch").
- crossbowman - A person using a crossbow.
- crown - The nock end of an arrow where cresting and paints are applied.
- crown dip - Color applied to the back part of the arrow shaft in various lengths up to about ten inches. The crown dip helps an archer find an arrow in grass or brush and is also used for decoration (a.k.a. "cap dip").
- crush - A break, usually associated with bow strings.
- curl - A swirl in the grain of a bow stave.
- cushion plunger - An adjustable spring-loaded contact for the arrow as it sits on the rest that is mounted perpendicular to the arrow (a.k.a. "berger button," "button," "pressure button," or "plunger").
- cushion pressure point - A pressure point that will absorb some of the shock of the arrow as it passes after release. It is usually of plastic or leather.
- cut the mark - When an arrow flies straight toward the target but falls under it.
D
- D-loop - A loop made out of rope or metal that attaches to the bow string on a compound bow where the arrow is nocked that is used to apply even pressure along the string when a release aid is used.
- D-shaped cross section - The shape found in a cross section of the limbs of an English longbow and most other types of longbow. This rounded "D" shape usually becomes more circular towards the tips of the bow.
- Danish oil - A blend of natural mineral oils used by bowyer's as a wood finish.
- dead release - A release in which the drawing hand remains at the anchor point.
- dead shaft - An arrow that has no life or spine and that flies sluggishly.
- decurve bow - A bow in which the unstrung tips curve toward the archer.
- deep hook - Placing the hand on the string so the string is seated in the crease of the first joint from the fingertip.
- deflex bow - A bow in which the entire length of the handle and limbs curve toward the archer.
- deflex-reflex bow - A bow where the limbs deflex off the riser back toward the archer, and then reflex back toward the limb tips. It is a very stable and efficient design.
- deflexed riser - A handle with a slight bend built in during construction that bends away from the archer for added stability.
- delamination - The separation of limbs in a laminated bow because of heat, moisture, or a failed glue joint.
- die-cut feather - Fletching that has been cut using a cutting dye.
- die cutter - A device for cutting feathers.
- digital chronograph - A device that measures velocity of a shot arrow.
- direct aim - Aim taken by sighting directly at the target and not using the tip of the arrow or a sight.
- director of shooting - The official in charge of an archery tournament.
- dished grip - A concave bow grip designed for repeatable placent on the bow.
- distal - An anatomical term meaning farther away from the center of a body or object.
- doinker - A weight attached to the end of a longrod by a flexible rubber coupling to dampen vibration.
- dominant eye - The tendency to prefer visual input from one eye over the other. In archery, an archer who has a right dominant eye should shoot right handed.
- down wind - Wind blowing directly from archer to the target.
- downrange - The area forward of where archers are shooting to the targets.
- draw - To pull the bow string back into the shooting position. Also, the distance the bow string is pulled back.
- draw-force line (DFL) - An imaginary line between the pressure point of the hand on the bow, the string fingers, and the drawing elbow.
- draw check - A device attached to the bow that indicates attainment of full draw with a loud click.
- draw check arrow - A marked arrow used to determine proper draw length.
- draw fingers - Normally the first three fingers of the drawing hand that are used in pulling the bow string to full draw.
- draw force - The force applied to the string when drawing the bow to full draw.
- draw knife - A blade with two handles used to trim wood by drawing the sharp edge toward a person.
- draw length - The distance from the nocking point on the bow string to the arrow rest at full draw.
- draw stop - A device for archer using a back tension release that creates a solid back wall and eliminates a spongy feel to the draw.
- draw weight - The weight, measured in pounds, used to bring the bow to full draw of twenty-eight inches (a.k.a. "bow weight, "poundage," or "weight").
- draw-force curve (DFC) - The curve as charted with the increase of weight during the draw being one axis, and the measured draw length being the other axis.
- drawing - The act of pulling the string of a bow.
- drawing arm - The arm that draws the bow string.
- drawing fingers - The three fingers of the drawing hand used to pull the string of a bow.
- drawing hand - The hand that holds the string during the draw (a.k.a. "string hand").
- drawing point - That position to which the bow string and the arrow are pulled just before the arrow is released.
- drift - The natural deflection of an arrow from normal flight due to the effect of wind, or other outside influences.
- drop-away rest - An arrow rest or launcher that drops away, clearing the path for the arrow as the bow string is released. It is mainly used on compound bows.
- dry fire - The act of firing a bow without an arrow on the nock. This is potentially damaging to the bow and should be avoided.
- Dutch plug - A small, cylindrical piece of wood used to replace a dead knot in a bow (a.k.a. "Dutchman" or "plug").
- dynamic release - A release method where the drawing hand snaps rearward after the shot (a.k.a. "pull-through release").
- dynamic spine - The amount of actual flexing an arrow undergoes during a shot (a.k.a. "spine").
E
- eccentric - Then the pivot point of a wheel is located off center which changes the radius as the wheel rotates.
- elastic limit - The percentage (usually about one percent) of length that wood can be stretched or compressed before permenant deformation.
- elevation - The amount the bow needs to be raised or lowered to hit a given mark. Also, sight adjustment to compensate for a high or low point of impact.
- elevation gauge - A device used to gauge the vertical space an archer sees between the tip of the arrow and the target. It is used in barebow shooting.
- end - A set number of arrows (rarely more than six) that are shot before going to the target to score and retrieve them (a.k.a. "end of arrows").
- endless string - A common bow string that is made from one endless piece of material that is served around the nock loops.
- English longbow (ELB) - A powerful medieval bow (a.k.a. the "Welsh longbow").
- equilibrium moisture content - A term used to describe the moisture content of wood once it has stopped drying out and has reached a state of equilibrium dictated by surrounding environmental conditions.
- equipment failure - A call made by the judge during a competition, covering a wide variety of technical problems, such as malfunctions, that prevent the archer from shooting. The archer is usually allowed to complete the end individually once the problem is resolved.
- equipment line - A line 10 yards behind the shooting line indicating the area where equipment may be left during a shoot and where archers may set up their chairs and tents (a.k.a. "tackle line" or "tent line").
- eye - The loop on a bow string that attaches the bow string to the bow (a.k.a. "loop").
- eye sight arrow relationship (ESAR) - The relationship between the arrow point, nock, eye, and sight at full draw, forming a flat vertical plane.
- eyedness - Having a dominant eye, one that takes precedence in aligning an arrow with an object when both eyes are open.
- extend - The place the bow arm and bow are in shooting position before beginning the draw.
F
- face - The side of the bow nearest the bow string (a.k.a. "belly"). Also, the surface of a target.
- face pin - A head and shank used to attach paper targets to foam or hay bales (a.k.a. "bale pin" or "target pin").
- fadeout - The tapered piece of wood that fades out into the limb from the riser (a.k.a. "fades").
- falling off - The accidental slipping of an arrow off the bow hand rest just before shooting.
- fast - A call, derived from "hold fast," used to warn a person to beware of arrows being shot (a.k.a. "stop" or "timber").
- feather - A whole feather, or one of its sections, used on an arrow for stabilization.
- feather burner - A device that will trim and shape feather fletchings.
- feather die cutter - A device that will chop feathers into a desired shape.
- feather processing jig - A device that controls the depth and width of the feather base.
- feather sanding jig - A device that allows a fletcher to grind the thickness of quills. Some will also allow grinding for width.
- feather stripper - A device that allows a fletcher to remove feathers and cap wraps from aluminum and carbon (no wood) arrows.
- feet per second (fps) - The measurement of the velocity of an arrow shot from a bow.
- ferrule - The cone-shaped portion of a broadhead that fits over the tapered end of an arrow.
- ferrule cement - A heat sensitive glue of low melting point used to attach a ferrule to the shaft of an arrow.
- fiberglass - A material used in modern archery equipment for the production of both arrows and bows.
- field archery - An archery round in which the archer shoots from a variety of distances at targets in woods and fields that is designed to simulate hunting conditions.
- field arrow - An arrow used for hunting game in the field. It is usually heavier and stronger than a target arrow.
- field captain - The person or official in charge who controls the shoot during a tournament.
- field dressing - A procedure for removing the internal organs of an animal that has been harvested by an archer.
- field point - A head that is shaped similar to a target point, but is as heavy as the broadhead.
- field shooting - A type of archery derived from hunting where targets are scattered around a wooded area and archers walk and shoot from one target to the other.
- field tip - A practice head for target shooting.
- finger cot - A flat piece of material that protects the fingers of the archer's shooting hand to allow a smoother release of the bow string (a.k.a. "finger tab" or "shooting tab").
- finger pinch - A condition where the fingers of the string hand are pinched when the bow is nearing full draw. This is caused by a bow length that is too short the shorter the bow, the more probable that the archer will feel finger pinch.
- finger sling - A small strap that attaches to the thumb and index finger of the bow hand that keeps the bow from falling after the string is released. It is used if the archer shoots with a relaxed bow hand. See "wrist sling."
- finger tab - A flat piece of material that protects the fingers of the archer's shooting hand to allow a smoother release of the bow string (a.k.a. "finger cot," "shooting tab," or simply "tab").
- finger tips - A three-fingered, skeletonized glove made of leather that is held on the drawing hand by a strap around the wrist to protect the fingers and used for the protection of the drawing fingers (a.k.a. "glove" or "shooting glove").
- fingerstalls - Thimble-like, protective covers worn on the string fingers.
- finish - A coating applied to worked wood that both protects and enhances the visual appearance of the wood. Commonly used finishes are Danish oil and varnish.
- fish-tail joint - A "V" shaped joint the length of the bow hand, to attach two billets together for the building of a selfbow.
- fishtail splice - A W-shaped splice used to join two billets.
- fishtailing - The wobbling of an arrow during its flight, often caused by improper spine, improper bow tuning, poor shooting hand form, or misaligned nocks.
- fistmele - An archaic Saxon term for a unit of rough measurement of six to seven inches, meaning "fist measure," consisting of the clenched fist with the thumb raised. It indicates the approximately correct distance between the bow and the bow string at the handle (a.k.a. "brace height," "bracing height," or "string height").
- flatbow - A non-recurved bow, made of wood or fiberglass, with a flat rectangular cross section that is designed after the Plains Indian bows having a relatively flat, wide limb (a.k.a. "flat bow").
- flax-linen - A natural material used to make bowstrings in medieval times.
- Flemish draw - The use of only the index and second fingers to draw the bow, the index finger above the arrow, and the other beneath the arrow (a.k.a. "Flemish loose").
- Flemish twist - A method of assembling a bow string end loops by twisting the material similarly to that of making a rope. It eliminates the use of "serving" the string loops (a.k.a. "Flemish string").
- fletch - A feather or vane fitted to an arrow to stabilize it in flight. Also, to glue a feather or vane to an arrow shaft.
- fletcher - A person who makes arrows, as opposed to an "arrowsmith" who makes metal arrowheads and points. Also, a device for attaching feathers to arrow shafts.
- fletching - The stabilizing fins or vanes of an arrow, usually made from feather or plastic, used to guide an arrow in flight (a.k.a. "arrow fletching" or "fletchings").
- fletching cement - A glue used to apply fletching materials.
- fletching clamp - A clamp used to hold the fletching materials in shape and in place during the application to the arrow shaft.
- fletching cover - A soft material, such as fleece, that is used to cover the feathers of arrows to conceal and protect the fletching.
- fletching cutting board - A cutting surface, often with a Teflon coating, with lanes to guide a blade to cut feathers.
- fletching jig - A device that holds the arrow shaft in readiness for attaching the feathers or vanes.
- fletching removal tool - A hand-held device that removes the fletching on arrows.
- fletching style - The number and placement of feathers or vanes on an arrow shaft.
- fletching tape - Tape, approximately 3/32" wide, that allows feathers to be attached to arrow shafts without glue.
- flex - The amount of bend that an arrow shaft provides. Also, see "spine."
- flick - An arrow that has a sudden sharp movement when it moves erratically during flight.
- flight - The behavior of the arrow when it is in flight. Also, a group of archers scheduled to shoot at the same time.
- flight arrow - An arrow used for distance shooting that is long and light and has very small feathers.
- flight bow - A bow designed to shoot the greatest distance for its weight.
- flight line - The path taken by a flying target or game bird.
- flight shoot - A shooting competition, the object of which is to see who can shoot an arrow the greatest distance (a.k.a. "flight archery").
- flinch - To move either the bow or release arm just before or at the release, usually caused by anticipation of the clicker or fear of hitting the bow arm with the string. Also, the movement of either the bow or release arm before the release of the arrow.
- flipper rest - An elevated rest attached to the riser of the bow that flips out of the way of the fletching when the arrow is released.
- flirt - An arrow that jumps out of its steady line of flight.
- flo - A swift arrow flight.
- flu-flu - A short-range arrow with untrimmed feathers that restricts the distance it will travel. It is used to shoot aerial targets such as game birds. Feathers may be completely spiraled around the shaft, or very large feathers may be used to create drag (a.k.a. "floo-floo").
- follow the string - A bow that takes a set from being strung and the limbs not returning to their original position when unstrung. A problem most common in selfbows.
- follow through - Movement of the drawing hand and arm after the release of the bow string.
- foot - A piece of hardwood spliced to an arrow shaft.
- foot bow - A bow held with the feet while the string is drawn back with both hands, used in distance shooting competition.
- foot markers - Lines or devices placed on the ground to indicate where the archer wishes to place his feet at the shooting line (a.k.a. "toe markers").
- footed arrow - An arrow footed with a piece of hardwood to give the arrow greater durability and better balance.
- footing - The hard piece of wood that some arrows have spliced to their ends to give them greater strength.
- foot markers - Small disks of restricted dimensions used to mark an archer's foot position.
- force draw curve - The graph shape produced when plotting draw weight at successive draw distances from brace height to full draw. The Area under the line represents energy as stored by the drawn bow.
- fore shaft - A hardwood shaft jointed to the fore end of a shaft when making footed arrows.
- forgewood - An arrow shaft that has been compressed for strength and straightness having a high density, small diameter, and heavy weight (a.k.a. "compressed shaft")
- form - Posture and position for practicing archery.
- four-wheel bow - A compound bow design that has eccentric wheels and idlers to aid in developing mechanical advantages over a two-wheel bow.
- freestyle - A method of shooting (as opposed to "instinctive") using a bow sight, draw length check, pressure button, and stabilizers to aid the archer in aiming (a.k.a. "free style").
- freeze - To be unable to move the bow to the desired position while at full draw and aiming or releasing the bow string smoothly.
- fret - A hairline crack on the belly of a selfbow, running horizontally across the grain (a.k.a. "chrysal" or "crisal").
- front of center (FOC) - The balance point of the arrow when the point is fitted.
- full draw - The position of the archer when the bow string has been drawn and the draw hand is at the anchor point.
G
- G-nock - A small nock used on a target arrow that fits into a nock bushing. It is smaller than an H-nock.
- gad - An arrow that wanders when it does not follow a straight course.
- game - A designated set of ends in a round that allow the round to be evenly divided. Outdoors, each distance shot usually constitutes a game. Also, non-domesticated animals legally hunted for food or sport.
- gap - The vertical space an archer sees between the tip of the arrow and the target using an elevation gauge which is used in barebow shooting (a.k.a. "gap shooting").
- glove - A three-fingered, skeletonized glove made of leather that is held on the drawing hand by a strap around the wrist to protect the fingers and used for the protection of the drawing fingers (a.k.a. "finger tips" or "shooting glove").
- go - A call made when all archers have returned from fetching their arrows and are ready to shoot (a.k.a. "commence shooting," "hot," or "line is hot").
- gold - The yellow center of a target.
- gold fever - A psychological problem in which the archer "chokes" under pressure, loses his aim, or becomes incapable of releasing when aligned on a target (a.k.a. "archer's catalepsy [an old term]," archer's paralysis," "buck fever," "gold shyness," or "target paralysis").
- gone - An arrow that flies past the target.
- graffle - A hook on the belt of a crossbowman used to draw the string on a crossbow (a.k.a. "claw").
- grafted bow - A bow made of two pieces of wood joined at the handle.
- grain - The smallest unit of weight in the United States where one ounce equals 480 grains or 0.002285 ounce. The measurement is commonly associated with arrows and broadheads (a.k.a. "grains").
- grain scale - A device for weighing aluminum or carbon arrows.
- grains per inch - A measurement of the specific weight of an arrow shaft.
- grains per pound (gpp) - A ratio between arrow mass (in grains) and bow draw weight (in pounds). Often used because there is a strong relationship between gpp and arrow velocity. For wooden bows, this is usually 10gpp but for other bows it is common to go lower for the sake of better arrow speed.
- green - A shot that does not hit the target. Also, an archery shooting range.
- grip - The handle of the bow, where it is held by the archer. Also, to hold the bow (used in reference to holding the bow too tightly).
- ground quiver - A device used to hold bow and arrows in readiness on the ground near the archer.
- grounding - Placing a bow on a rack or on the ground to indicate that the archer has finished shooting the arrows in that end.
- group - To shoot arrows in a pattern. Also, the cluster of arrows in the target.
- gunbarrel - A method of aiming used in barebow shooting in which the nock end of the arrow on the string is placed close to the eye and the archer sights down the arrow shaft.
H
- H-nock - Small nock used on a target or hunting arrow that fits into a nock bushing. It is larger than a G-nock.
- handbow - An ordinary bow, as opposed to a crossbow.
- handicap - A system to bring archers to an equal standard based on their scores in a competition.
- handle - The center part of the bow the part that the archer uses in gripping the bow (a.k.a. "handle riser" or "riser").
- handle riser - The thick mid-section of the bow (a.k.a. "handle" or "riser").
- handshock - The vibration felt in the bow hand at release when a bow is shot.
- hanger - An arrow that does not penetrate the boss but hangs down the face.
- hauling line - A light line used by bowhunters to raise or lower equipment when using an elevated stand.
- head - The point of an arrow (a.k.a. "arrowhead," "pile," "point," or "pyle").
- heel - To exert pressure with the heel of the hand on the lower part of the handle during the shot (a.k.a. "heeling").
- helical clamp - A curved clasp used for fletching arrows.
- helical fletching - A fletching applied with a helical clamp in a fletching jig to give a slight spiraling around the arrow shaft. Helical fletching allows the arrow to spiral in flight, stabilizing the flight much sooner than a straight fletch. It is very effective in hunting conditions where high wind or crosswind can occur (a.k.a. "helical twist").
- hen feathers - On a three-feathered arrow, the two feathers on an arrow that are not at right angles to the nock. They are usually of the same color. All three feathers guide the flight of the arrow (a.k.a. the "offset fletches," "shaft feathers," or "spiral fletches").
- high anchor - An anchor where the drawing hand touches the cheek near the corner of the mouth when at full draw, often with a finger touching the canine or eye tooth.
- high braced - A distance between the handle and bow string greater than seven inches. It is better to high brace than to low brace.
- high strung - Said of a bow that is strung so that there is more than a fistmele between the bow string and the bow.
- high wrist - A shooting style in which the bow-hand wrist is held in alignment with the forearm.
- hinge - Excessive bend in one portion of a bow's limb.
- hinged bow - A bow that has a hinge attached to the back to facilitate travel.
- hip quiver - An arrow holding device designed to be worn on the belt\.
- hit - A successful shot that hits the target for a score.
- hold - A pause by an archer while at full draw and just before the release of the arrow (a.k.a. "holding").
- holding - Maintaining a steady bow position at full draw during aiming.
- home - An arrow that is at the full draw, ready to be shot.
- horn - The tip of a bow made of cow, steer, or stag horns in which the notches (or nocks) for the string are cut.
- horse archer - An archer mounted on a horse (a.k.a. "mounted archer").
- hot - A call made when all archers have returned from fetching their arrows and are ready to shoot (a.k.a. "commence shooting," "go," or "line is hot").
- hunting bow - A bow made especially for hunting game.
- hunting sight - a bow sight with multiple pins or apertures that can be set for several distances that is typically more compact than target-style sights.
I
- idler - A wheel or pulley that replaces the top cam on a compound bow that only contacts the bow string and not the cables. It changes the direction of a cable without altering the force applied.
- illegal draw - A competition draw that is deemed by a judge to be against the rules, such as drawing the bow while pointing above the target.
- in game - Shooting successfully.
- index feather - On an arrow with three feathers, the feather that is set at right angles to the nock. It is usually a different color from the other two (hen) feathers. All three feathers guide the flight of the arrow (a.k.a. "cock feather," cock fletching," or "index fletching").
- indirect aim - Aim taken by using a point of aim and not looking at the target.
- index feather - On an arrow with three feathers, the feather that is set at right angles to the nock. It is usually a different color from the other two (hen) feathers. All three feathers guide the flight of the arrow (a.k.a. "cock feather," "cock fletching," or "index fletching").
- indoor - A discipline of target archery, shot indoors. Distance is typically about fifty feet.
- inner ring - A ring printed on standard targets inside the ten ring, sometimes referred to as the 10x ring, used primarily for indoor compound scoring or to break a tie.
- insert - A threaded aluminum unit that is installed into the front portion of the arrow allowing field points and broadheads to be screwed into it.
- International Bowhunters Organization (IBO) - A governing body for three dimensional target shooting or other forms of shooting developed by bowhunters to test off-season skills.
- International Limb Fitting (ILF) - A standard limb mounting system utilizing a dove-tail mount along with the standard limb bolt to secure limbs. It is used extensively on Olympic recurve bows and a growing number of hunting bows.
- instinctive shooting - A method of shooting an arrow with a traditional bow naturally or automatically in which no aiming method is used where the archer looks at the target and shoots, rather than using a mechanical device or the point-of-aim theory to aim the arrow.
J
- jar - A lack of smooth action in a bow after the release.
- jerking - Allowing the shooting hand to recoil backwards too much as the arrow is released.
- jig - The name given to devices used for fletching arrows and making bow strings.
- jointed bow - A longbow, recurve, or selfbow that can be taken apart into two or three pieces, usually by bolts, sleeve or hinge, for convenience of storage or transportation (a.k.a. "carriage bow," "take down bow," "takedown bow," or "TD bow").
- judo point - A target and small-game arrowhead equipped with spring wires for easy location.
- judge - The person responsible for the operation of the rules of shooting at a tournament. In the absence of a judge, the field captain has responsibility.
- judo point - A small-game and target head equipped with spring wires for easy location.
K
- keep compass - To observe a due elevation.
- keeping a length - Shooting the exact distance but not straight.
- Kevlar - A strong, light synthetic material used to make bow strings that has no stretch and which causes more shock to the limb tips. Note that some bows cannot use Kevlar bowstrings and tehat the life-span of Kevlar will break due to repeated bending.
- kick - The recoil of the bow string and bow as the arrow is released due to unevenly tillered limbs.
- kinetic energy - A physics term which means the energy being transferred from the archer to the bow and then on to the arrow. More kinetic energy basically means more penetration, thus a more humane bowhunter kill.
- king's round - A crossbow competition in which contestants shoot six bolts each at a target 40 yards away.
- kisser - An indicator or protrusion placed on the bow string so it touches the lips or teeth while the archer is at full draw. It is usually made of plastic (a.k.a. "kisser button").
- knot - A portion of wood where there was the growth of a branch from the trunk of the tree. In Yew wood these knots can extend to the outer surface or be trapped within the wood. Knots can be classed as "live," where they are structurally sound wood, or "dead," where the wood has decayed and is generally replaced with a plug of good wood.
L
- laminated bow - A bow made of several layers of different materials glued together.
- lamination - Thin layers of material bonded together to form a bow limb or riser. Lamination creates strength in risers and high performance in limbs.
- lacquer - A tough paint used in archery applications, often with an epoxy or vinyl base.
- laminated - Layers of material bonded together to take advantage of the characteristics of the component materials.
- laminated limb - A bow limb composed of fiberglass or other composite materials on the surfaces with cores of wood.
- latch - A 16th century archaic English term for a crossbow.
- launcher - An arrow rest where the arrow rests on top of a pronged extension just under and in line with the arrow. It can be spring-loaded or drop-away.
- left-hand bow - A bow with the window cut out on the right side when viewed from the bow's belly.
- left-handed archer - An archer who holds the bow in the right hand and draws with the left hand to bring the arrow to the right dominant eye.
- length - The distance between the archer and the target.
- let down - Returning from full draw to the undrawn position with control and not releasing the bow string.
- let fly - To shoot an arrow.
- let-off - The weight reduction from the peak weight to the holding weight on a compound bow (a.k.a. "let off").
- level - A small glass vial filled with fluid but leaving one bubble of air. It is used to determine if the bow is being held vertically and is very common on compound bows but not permitted on recurve bows.
- limb - The upper or lower parts of a bow, from the handle or riser outward, that bends when the string is drawn. It is the flexible working part of the bow where the energy is "stored" (a.k.a. "arm").
- limb bolt - A screw that attaches a limb to the bow grip of a takedown bow.
- limb dampener - A mushroom-shaped rubber form attached to the limb of a bow to reduce the vibrations after the release of the string.
- limb pocket - A recessed slot in the top and bottom of the riser, shaped to fit the ends of the bow limbs to maintain correct limb alignment.
- limb length - Distance measured from limb nock or limb tip to mid-grip of a working-grip bow, or to the non-bending portion of a stiff-grip bow.
- limb tip - The outer tip of a bow limb.
- limb twist - A situation where the limbs of a recurve bow have taken a set off the centerline of the bow. It is usually a problem associated with using the push-pull method of stringing a bow, or from abuse of the bow when being stored. It is recommended that the archer use a "bow stringer" to prevent this condition.
- line cutter - An arrow that "cuts" the line between two rings on a target and which scores the higher value (a.k.a. "linecutter").
- line is hot - A call made when all archers have returned from fetching their arrows and are ready to shoot (a.k.a. "commence shooting," "go," or "hot").
- line of flight - The path taken by the arrow in flight.
- line of sight - A straight line from the eye through a sight to the target.
- live release - Releasing the string while increasing the tension in the back and shoulder muscles.
- loaded bow - A bow with an arrow nocked on the string.
- longbow - A large bow over 5 feet six inches with a D-shaped cross section that is drawn by hand and shoots a long-feathered arrow. It was the chief weapon of English armies from the 14th century until the introduction of firearms and was usually made of yew (a.k.a. "long bow").
- longrod - A bar attached to the bow to dampen vibrations.
- loop - The end of the bow string that fits over the end of a bow and into the notch (a.k.a. "eye").
- loose - To let the bow string slip off the finger tips, thereby projecting an arrow (a.k.a. "release").
- low anchor - An anchor position where the drawing hand is under the jaw bone.
- low brace - A distance between the handle and bow string less than seven inches. It is better to high brace than to low brace.
- low wrist - A bow hand position where the hand is flat against the bow grip and the pressure during the draw is through the forearm bone.
- low strung - A bow that is strung so that there is less than a fistmele between the bow string and the bow.
M
- mark - The target. Also, the precise place the archer is aiming to hit.
- martingale - A strap fastened to either the bow or the archer's bow hand that keeps the bow from falling after the string is released. It is used if the archer shoots with a relaxed bow hand (a.k.a. "bow sling" or "sling"). Also, see "finger sling" and "wrist sling."
- mass weight - The actual weight of any piece of equipment if placed on a scale. It is usually used in reference to the bow (a.k.a. "mass").
- mat - The straw, usually a disk, to which the target face is attached and which stops the arrow so that its value can be scored (a.k.a. the "target mat").
- match play - A competition format in which archers compete one-on-one, earning set points based on higher point value each end rather than scoring total number of points.
- mechanical broadhead - A point with two or more blades that open on impact and which is usually used for hunting.
- mechanical release - A device used with a compound bow that acts as a trigger to release the bow string (a.k.a. "release aid").
- Mediterranean draw - The use of the first three fingers to draw the bow, the index finger above the arrow, with the other two below (a.k.a. "Mediterranean release"). This type of draw is favored by Western archers.
- minnowing - Similar to fishtailing but the movements are less severe but much faster.
- moisture meter - A device used to measure the moisture content of wood. Expressed as an average percentage.
- Mongolian draw - The use of the thumb around the bow string just below the arrow. The thumb is locked in position by closing the index finger around the end of the thumb. The arrow would be on the same side of the bow as the hand that is drawing the bow string (a.k.a. "Mongolian release").
- mounted archer - An archer mounted on a horse (a.k.a. "horse archer").
- musquet arrow - In the early development of firearms, wooden arrows were used with lead shot as missiles (a.k.a. "spright").
N
- National Field Archery Association (NFAA) - A governing body for indoor and outdoor archery using both conventional and compound bows in the United States.
- natural stance - The position of the feet on the shooting line that allows the archer to come to full draw and aim without moving the bow horizontally to reach the bullseye.
- nib - Called "pile" in medieval times, it is the ferrule-like end of an arrow that attaches to the tip to protect and balance the striking end of the arrow (a.k.a. "arrowhead," "point," "nib," or "pyle").
- nock - The notch or groove in the end of an arrow into which the bow string is fitted (a.k.a. "arrow nock"). Also, the grooves at either end of the bow that hold the bow string in place (a.k.a. "bow nocks"). Also, the act of fitting an arrow in to the bow string.
- nock locator - A device that indicates where the arrow is to be nocked on the string. It may be made of thread (called a "string serving"), dental floss, plastic, or heat shrink material. It is also made of metal (called a "nock-set") and is used to locate the arrow on the bow string.
- nock piece - A thin piece of horn, wood, or other material glued laterally in a self-nock to reinforce it.
- nock travel - A description of where the nocking point on the bowstring moves up or down after being released. This can occur if the arms of the bow (or cams in the case of a compound bow) move at different speeds when drawing or stop moving at different times. Extreme levels of nock travel can impart an upwards or downwards slant on the arrow when released, which makes it difficult to aim correctly.
- nock-set - A metal device that indicates where the arrow is to be nocked on the string. It is used to prevent the archer's fingers from fraying the bow string (a.k.a. "nock locator" or "nock set").
- nocked - The state of the arrow being positioned on the bow string.
- nocking pliers - Pinchers that allow a nock-set to be applied to or removed from a bow string.
- nocking point - The place on a bow string where the nock of the arrow is to be placed prior to drawing and shooting.
- notch - The groove that holds the arrow to the bow string when the bow is strung (a.k.a. "bow notch" or "string notch").
- noose - The end of the string that occupies the bottom end of the bow.
- nut - The part of the release mechanism of a crossbow where the string sits when the crossbow is drawn.
O
- offset feathers - On a three-feathered arrow, the two feathers on an arrow that are not at right angles to the nock. They are usually of the same color. All three feathers guide the flight of the arrow (a.k.a. "hen fletches," "offset fletches," "shaft feathers," or "spiral fletches").
- Olympic bow - A recurve bow designed and configured for Olympic style competition.
- Olympic sight - A target style bow sight with precision elevation and windage adjustments.
- open stance - The position of the feet on the shooting line where the forward foot is behind an imaginary line extending between the archer's other foot and the center of the target.
- outdoor - A discipline of target archery. Many outdoor rounds go up to about 200 feet, although some rounds extend to 270 feet.
- over - An arrow that passes above the target.
- over-hand - Shooting at the target over the bow hand.
- overbraced - A bow that has a bracing height greater than the manufacturer's recommendation, or a bow that is fitted with a bow string too short for optimum performance (a.k.a. "over braced").
- overbowed - A bow that is too strong for the individual using it. It can result in poor shooting habits, inaccuracy, and physical damage to the archer (a.k.a. "over-bowed" or "over bowed").
- overdraw - To draw the arrow back too far, so that the tip of the arrow passes the belly of the bow. This is a very dangerous practice. A "siper" may be used to allow this practice.
- overdraw device - A shelf attached to the bow riser extending back toward the archer and permitting a shorter, stiffer arrow to be shot from the bow (a.k.a. "siper").
- overdraw - To pull the bow string further back than optimum at full draw (a.k.a. "overdrawing").
- overdrawn - A condition in which a bow string is too short for the bow and where the fistmele is exceeded.
- overlay - Wear-resistant material, often horn, leather, or wood, usually applied to the back of limb tips to prevent string wear, especially on narrow limb tips.
- overshoot - To shoot beyond the archer's mark.
- overshoot area - A safety area behind the targets on an outdoor range.
- overspine - An arrow that is too stiff for the bow from which it is shot, as opposed to "underspine," where the arrow is too weak for the bow.
- overstrung - A condition that occurs when a string is too short for the bow.
P
- pair - Two arrows and a spare (a.k.a. "archer's pair").
- paper tuning - A system of tuning a bow by shooting arrows through a sheet of paper and using the pattern made by the arrows to adjust the nocking point or pressure button settings.
- parabolic arc - The path of an arrow in flight (a.k.a. "arc").
- parabolic fletching - Feather fletching with a higher, rounded profile at the back end of the feather toward the nock of the arrow.
- paradox - The way in which an arrow clears the bow on realease by bending the riser. The flexing of the arrow is more pronounced with finger shooters and less so with those archers who use a release aid. It is more pronounced with aluminum arrows than with carbon arrows (a.k.a. "archer's paradox").
- parallel arrow - An arrow that is the same diameter the full length of the shaft.
- partial draw - A term describing when the bowstring is drawn to any point below an archer's draw length.
- pass through - An arrow that hits the target but passes completely through it.
- peacock arrow - An arrow fletched with peacock feathers.
- peak weight - The highest weight achieved during the drawing of a compound bow (a.k.a. "peak draw-weight").
- pearl glue - A cement found in pellet form, it must be soaked in water then heated before it can be used. Its main use in bow making is for gluing on backings such as sinew and hide (a.k.a. "animal glue").
- pedominal archery - A method of shooting in which the archer lies on his back, holds the bow against his feet, draws back with both hands, and releases the arrow. Because this enables the archer to pull a stronger bow, great distances are possible using this method. However, the beginner should not attempt it, as it can be very dangerous.
- peek - To move the head or bow arm to watch the arrow either in flight or where it hits the target. This is considered a bad habit (a.k.a. "peeking").
- peep - A piece inserted between the strands of the bow string at eye level through which the archer looks while aiming (a.k.a. "string peep" or "peep sight").
- pellet bow - A archaic type of bow that was used in England to shoot stones or pellets (a.k.a. "stone bow").
- penetration - A bowhunter's term for the arrow's ability to reach the vital organs and exit the far side of the quarry.
- perfect end - An end in which all arrows land in the highest scoring zone.
- petticoat - Any part of the target outside of the last ring. An arrow hitting in the petticoat counts zero. (a.k.a. the "apron," "skirt," or "spoon").
- piggy backer - A device that clips to an arrow in the bow quiver so you can carry an extra blunt arrow.
- pile - An old United States term meaning the pointed end of an arrow (a.k.a. "arrowhead," "head," "point," or "nib"). It is still used in the United Kingdom and is still used to designate the forpart of an arrow (a.k.a. "pyle").
- pin - A small black knot in yew or osage (a.k.a. "pin knot").
- pin hole - The exact center of the target (a.k.a. "pin-hole" or "spider"). It is often marked with a small cross.
- pin knot - A small knot, 5mm or less across, caused by the death of new branches at a very early stage of a tree's development.
- pin nock - A type of arrow nock used on some high-end target arrows.
- pinch - To squeeze the index and middle finger against the nock of the arrow during the draw and/or hold (a.k.a. "pinching").
- pivot point - The point on the face side of the bow handle that is farthest from the string when the bow is strung.
- platform tab - a finger tab with a shelf-like platform to assist in anchoring the arrow under the chin.
- pluck - To pull the bow string out and away from the anchor position when a the string is released (a.ka. "plucking the string").
- plug - A piece of wood used to replace a dead knot in a bow (a.k.a. "Dutch plug" or "Dutchman").
- plunger - An adjustable spring-loaded contact for the arrow as it sits on the rest that is mounted perpendicular to the arrow (a.k.a. "berger button," "button," "cushion plunger," or "pressure button").
- point - Called "pile" in medieval times, it is the ferrule-like end of an arrow that attaches to the tip to protect and balance the striking end of the arrow (a.k.a. "nib").
- point-blank range - The one distance from a target at which the point of aim is right on the target.
- point-of-aim - That point, normally off the target, but always in a straight line with it, which will enable the archer to hit his target if placed with the tip of the arrow and his eye all in a straight line. For short distances, the "point-of-aim" will be in front of the target; for long distances it will be above the target. Between the two is a "point-blank range," where the "point-of-aim" and the target are the same points. Also, the object that is placed on the ground when using the point-of-aim method.
- point-on distance - The measurement of distance a given bow and arrow will shoot when an archer sights the tip of his arrow upon the point-of-aim and hits that target.
- point brush - A device that cleans the interior of a point or broadhead down to the bare metal for a superior bond to an arrow.
- point of impact - The location at which an arrow strikes an object other than the target or the suface of the earth.
- poisons - Toxic additions to arrow heads to increase hunting effectiveness.
- Pope and Young Club - An organization that maintains records of bowhunting.
- popinjay - Shooting at artificial birds on perches on top of a 90-foot mast.
- porpoise - The undesirable up and down motion of an arrow in flight that indicates the bow requires tuning or the nocking point requires adjustment (a.k.a. "porpoising").
- possibles bag - A pouch used by an archer to carry all the equipment and materials that he or she might possible need.
- posture grid - A device having a series of vertical and horizontal lines for the evaluation of a posture deviation.
- pouch - An end of a bow stringer that fits over the lower limb of the bow while the saddle is placed on the upper limb.
- poundage - The weight, measured in pounds, used to bring the bow to full draw of twenty-eight inches (a.k.a. "bow weight, "draw weight," or "weight").
- power stroke - Upon release, the distance over which the bow imparts its stored energy to the arrow from full draw to brace height upon release.
- preference - A tendency of one limb of a bow to bend more than the other.
- preparation line - The balanced pre-draw position of the archer. It is sometimes related specifically to the relative positions of the bow hand, drawing hand, and arrow.
- pressure button - An adjustable spring-loaded contact for the arrow as it sits on the rest that is mounted perpendicular to the arrow (a.k.a. "berger button," "button," "cushion plunger," or "plunger").
- pressure point - The spot on the arrow plate against which the arrow lies and presses when the string is released. It can be cushioned or spring-loaded.
- pressure button - A device used to correct an arrow's flex at the point of release (a.k.a. "button" or "berger button," "cushion plunger," or "plunger").
- Professional Bowhunters Association (PBA) - A bowhunting organization with a high ethical standard.
- projectile - An arrow propelled by mechanical forces.
- proximal - An anatomical term meaning closer to the center of a body or object.
- puller - A rubber mat used to protect the hands and to provide a grip when pulling the bow string.
- pull-through release - A release method where the drawing hand snaps rearward after the shot (a.k.a. "dynamic release").
- punching the trigger - A form fault and bad habit for archers using a release aid. It involves a sudden action rather than a smooth release.
- push-pull draw - A style of drawing a bow where the bow hand pushes the riser away while at the same time the shooting hand pulls back the string.
- push-pull stringing - The act of stringing the bow by placing the lower limb agains the instep of the shoe, pulling inward on the handle section (toward the archer), and then pushing the top string loop into place on the nock groove of the upper limb. It is recommended that the archer use a "bow stringer" to prevent the condition of "limb twist."
Q
- quarrel - A crossbow projectile (a.k.a. "bolt").
- quill - The shaft of a feather that is ground flat to fit on an arrow.
- quiver - A case for holding arrows. The term usually applies to a leather or plastic case that the archer carries suspended from his person (a.k.a. "back quiver," "bow quiver," "cocker," "hip quiver," "pocket quiver," "shoulder quiver," "side quiver," or "solo quiver").
- quiver liner - A soft material, usually sheepskin shearling, used to line the top and base of a quiver to muffle noise produced by movement of arrows.
R
- range - The distance to the target. Also, a place for archery.
- range finder - A device that an archer uses to find his point-of-aim immediately, without experimenting.
- range officer - A person responsible for the safe operation of a shooting range.
- range layout - The design of an archery shooting range.
- range staff - The people assisting the range officer while conducting shooting on a shooting range.
- range stick - A stick used for finding the aiming spot at different distances when using the point-of-aim method.
- rankling arrow - An arrow with a detachable head that stays in the wound when the it is withdrawn.
- rawhide - A processed calfskin most commonly used for backing selfbows (a.k.a. "clarified calfskin").
- rebound - An arrow that bounces off the scoring area of the target face (a.k.a. "bouncer").
- recoil - The tendency for a bow to lurch forward when it is shot.
- recurve - The end of the bow limb that bends away from the face side of the bow.
- recurve bow - A bow whose limbs, when unstrung, curve away from the face side of the bow giving the bow extra spring and power (a.k.a. "reflexed bow").
- recurve stringer - A device using leather cups on each end to string and unstring a bow (a.k.a. "bow stringer" or "stringer").
- red - The first ring of a target outside of the gold center.
- reed - The grain of a wooden arrow that the spine is measured against, as opposed to the "rift" side of the wood.
- reference point - A definite place on the archer's body to which the string hand is brought on the draw. It helps to give consistency to an archer's efforts (a.k.a. "anchor point").
- reflex bow - A bow that has limbs curved toward the back of the bow rather than toward the belly (a.k.a. "reflex").
- reflex-deflex - A style of bow limbs combining deflex, where the bases of the limbs curve inward toward the archer near the riser, while with reflex, the rest of the limbs curve away or outward from the archer. This style of limb is popular with bowyers and credited with promoting stability in a bow.
- reflexed limb - A bow limb that angles toward the back of the bow when the bow is strung.
- release - To let the bow string slip off the finger tips, thereby shooting the arrow (a.k.a. "loose").
- release aid - A device used with a compound bow that acts as a trigger to release the bow string (a.k.a. "mechanical release").
- release technique - The method or style used to hold an arrow in drawn position and then release it.
- rest - A device on which the arrow rests during the draw, located just above the bow handle (a.k.a. "arrow rest").
- retroflexed tips - Bow tips that are angled instead of curved toward the bow's back.
- reverse handle - A riser design in which the bow handle sets flush with the bow belly and extends out over the back of the bow. It reduces the brace height for a given bow.
- rift - The section of an arrow that is contained within the grain of the wood. It can be seen in a shaft as a feathering of the wood.
- right-hand bow - A bow with the window cut out on the left side when viewed from the bow's belly.
- right-handed archer - An archer who holds the bow in the left hand and draws with the right hand to bring the arrow to the right dominant eye.
- riser - The thick, rigid mid-section of the bow (a.k.a. "handle riser").
- Robin Hood - An arrow that hits and splits another arrow already in the bullseye. Also, a heroic outlaw in English folklore.
- rochette - An archaic term for a 14th century fire arrow thrown by a balista.
- round - The shooting of a definite number of arrows at specified target faces from set distances (a.k.a. "rounds").
- rover - An archer who indulges in field shooting or roving.
- roving - A type of game or competition in which archers shoot at various objects in fields and woodlands, not knowing the exact distance to them. The archer picks out small targets, such as dirt mounds, rotten stumps or leaves, shoots one arrow, and repeats the practice on a new target. This is one of the most effective methods of learning to shoot a traditional bow (a.k.a. "stump shooting").
- roving clout - A competition for longbows only, shot at a series of marks at unknown distances.
- roving mark - A type of archery in which the archers walk a varied terrain course laid out with a number of targets (or marks) at different distances and requiring different angles of elevation for each shot.
- run - A term used to describe the breaking of a strand in a bow string.
- run archery - A discipline of archery that involves archery and running, similar to a biathlon.
S
- saddle - An end of a bow stringer that fits over the upper limb of the bow while the pouch is placed on the lower limb.
- safety arrow - An arrow with a wide tip or padded head used for reenactments.
- Saint Charles quiver - A hooded quiver worn in the center of the back that permits the arrows to be removed from the bottom (a.k.a. "St. Charles quiver").
- scatter - To hit the target in different places, rather than in the same general area or cluster.
- scope sight - A bow sight with a magnifying lens.
- score - A distance equal to 20 yards (a.k.a. "total points").
- screw-in adapter - A device that permits the quick of change of points having threaded shanks. Also, accessory attachment points on the riser of a bow.
- self arrow - An arrow made entirely of one piece of wood with the nock cut into the shaft, as opposed to a "footed arrow."
- self nock - An arrow nock created by cutting a groove in the end of a wooden arrow, typically perpendicular to the grain.
- selfbow - A bow made entirely of one material, usually wood, with no laminations, as opposed to a composite bow. It may be backed with sinew, rawhide or other material to add strength to the back and prevent wood splinters from lifting, causing a failure in a limb (a.k.a. "self bow").
- semi-recurve bow - A bow that is neither straight nor fully recurve.
- serving - A wrapping of thread around the center of a bow string to protect if from fraying by the fingers of the archer (a.k.a. "string serving"). Also, a wrapping of thread around the loop ends of the bow string to protect it from wear.
- serving jig - A device to apply serving to a bow string (a.k.a. "serving tool").
- serving material - The string used to create the serving on a bow string.
- set - A permanent bend in a bow (a.k.a. "string follow").
- setback - A natural, steambent, or spliced reflexing of the limbs, placing the bow tips forward of the back of the grip.
- shaft - The middle section or body of an arrow excluding the head, nock, and fletching. Sometimes used loosely to mean the arrow itself.
- shaft feathers - On a three-feathered arrow, the two feathers on an arrow that are not at right angles to the nock. They are usually of the same color. All three feathers guide the flight of the arrow (a.k.a. "hen fletches," "shaft feathers," or "spiral fletches").
- shaft size - A number given to a particular arrow size to allow ease in selection and use.
- shaft spider - A tracking device inserted in a hunting arrow that leaves a trail of fine thread to aid in game recovery.
- shaftment - The end portion of the arrow containing the cresting and feathers.
- shagreen - Stingray hide that is traditionally used as a grip on samurai swords but also makes an excellent bow grip and backing material.
- shake - A crack in a bowstave running lengthwise with the grain.
- sheath - A bundle of 24 arrows.
- shelf - The place where the arrow is supported on the bow (a.k.a. "arrow shelf"). Also, the place where the arrow rests on the archer's hand as he holds the bow.
- shield cut - Feather fletching with a concave profile at the back. Thought to resemble an elongated medieval knight's shield, divided in half lengthwise.
- shock - The forward motion of the bow limbs being abruptly stopped by the bow string.
- shoot - To release an arrow.
- shooting distance - The distance between tha archer and the target.
- shooting glove - A three-fingered, skeletonized glove made of leather that is held on the drawing hand by a strap around the wrist to protect the fingers and used for the protection of the drawing fingers (a.k.a. "finger tips" or "glove").
- shooting line - The line that an archer straddles while shooting at a target.
- shooting range - A safe place to shoot.
- short bow - A bow approximately half the height of the archer.
- shower shooting - A contest to shoot as many arrows as possible within a given time (a.k.a. "speed shooting")
- shooting tab - A flat piece of material that protects the fingers of the archer's shooting hand to allow a smoother release of the bow string (a.k.a. "finger cot" or "finger tab").
- short bow - A bow approximately half the height of the archer.
- side safety area - An area on an outdoor range that runs down the side ot the targets that may be cordoned off for safety.
- side strap - A strap that converts a single strap back quiver into a 3-point attachment for a more secure fit on the back.
- side wind - Wind blowing across the line of the target.
- sight - A mechanical device, attached to the bow, that enables an archer to sight directly on the target, which the archer cannot do with the tip of the arrow except at a point-blank range (a.k.a. "bow sight").
- sight bar - The piece of the bow sight to which the sight block is attached.
- sight block - The movable portion of the bow sight that holds the sight pin.
- sight extension - A horizontal bar extending the sighting radius for more precise sight alignment.
- sight mark - The sight setting for a specific distance.
- sight pin - The part of the bow sight that is superimposed on the center of the target when the archer aims.
- sight radius - The distance from the archer's eye to the sighting device.
- sight window - A cut-out section of a bow above the handle that allows the arrow to come closer to the centerline of the bow. It aids in reducing the effects of the "archer's paradox" (a.k.a. "bow window" or "window").
- sighters - Arrows allowed at the start of a shoot to enable sightd adjustments.
- signature - A personalized indication on the shaft just beyond the fletching that identifies or beautifies an arrow.
- silencer - Strands of rubber, plastic, yarn, or natural material (such as beaver fur, musk ox wool, muskrat fur, or otter fur) attached to the bow string to keep it from vibrating after the shot, thus eliminating string noise (a.k.a. "silencing aid" or "string silencer").
- sinew - A tough, fibrous tendon from an animal leg or loin that is used as a backing material on many selfbows (a.k.a. "tendon").
- sin - An arrow that falls short of the target.
- sinking - The gradual loss of a bow's power because of fatiguing wood.
- siper - A shelf attached to the bow riser extending back toward the archer and permitting a shorter, stiffer arrow to be shot from the bow (a.k.a. "overdraw device").
- ski archery - A discipline of archery that involves skiing and shooting at targets with a bow.
- skirt - Any part of the target outside of the last ring. An arrow hitting in the apron counts zero (a.k.a. "apron," "petticoat," or "spoon").
- sky draw - The act of drawing the bow while it is pointed above the target. It is considered an illegal draw in competition, and highly dangerous due to the likelihood and consequences of an accidental release.
- slap - An arrow striking the cables, riser, or rest on the release resulting in fishtailing. Also, the string striking the inside of the forearm or elbow.
- sling - A strap fastened to either the bow or the archer's bow hand that keeps the bow from falling after the string is released. It is used if the archer shoots with a relaxed bow hand (a.k.a. "bow sling" or "martingale"). Also, see "finger sling" and "wrist sling."
- slur bow - An archaic 16th century term for a crossbow with a barrel slotted on both sides for the string.
- smooth - Said of a bow that draws with little or no stack.
- snake - The way an arrow buries itself under the grass.
- snap shooting - Shooting without pausing to aim carefully (a.k.a. "snap shot").
- spectator line - An area behind the shooting line for the people who are watching and not taking part in archery.
- speed shooting - A contest to shoot as many arrows as possible within a given time (a.k.a. "shower shooting")
- spent arrow - An arrow that has lost all the energy imparted by the bow.
- spider - The exact center of the target (a.k.a. "pin hole"). It is often marked with a small cross.
- spin tester - A device that checks the straightness of arrows, points, and nocks.
- spin wing - A curved type of light plastic fletching that causes an arrow to spin and increase its stability.
- spine - The stiffness or amount an arrow bends, determined by hanging a two pound weight or spine tester from the center of the arrow and measuring the bend over a 26-inch span. Normally measured in five-pound increments for wood arrows (such as 55/60 or 60/65). Also, the part of a feather or vane that is in contact with the arrow when fletched.
- spine tester - A device used to measure the stiffness of arrows.
- spiral fletches - On a three-feathered arrow, the two feathers on an arrow that are not at right angles to the nock. They are usually of the same color. All three feathers guide the flight of the arrow (a.k.a. "hen fletches," "offset fletches," or "shaft feathers").
- spliced bow - A bow made from billets joined by a splice in the middle of one limb joined to the middle of the other limb.
- split finger - Placing the arrow between the index and middle fingers in preparation for a shot.
- spoke shave - A small hand held adjustable plane used by bowyers. The spoke shave can be pushed or drawn over the wood, cutting to a depth set by adjustment of the blade. It is particularly useful for bow making as it can follow the contours of the wood rather than planeing them flat.
- spoon - Any part of the target outside of the last ring. An arrow hitting in the petticoat counts zero. (a.k.a. "apron," petticoat," or "skirt).
- spright - In the early development of firearms, wooden arrows were used with lead shot as missiles (a.k.a. "musquet arrow").
- spring-loaded pressure point - A pressure point containing an ajustable spring.
- spring - The general energy that a bow possesses.
- springbow - A bow or crossbow set as a trap for animals.
- square stance - The position of the feet in which an imaginary straight line would touch the toes of both feet and extend to the center of the target.
- stability - The ability of the bow, in its design, to perform consistently.
- stabilizer - A piece consisting of a weight which is extended some distance from the bow by a relatively lighter rod, mounted on the handle riser, usually extending either forward or backward. Also, any weight attached to the handle riser to minimize torque.
- stabilizer insert - The place where the stabilizer or weighted rod can be attached to a bow.
- stack - A characteristic of bow performance that shows an increasing rate of change for each increment of draw weight, generally considered undesirable for shooting comfort (a.k.a. "stacking").
- stacked - A limb cross-section nearly as thick or thicker than wide.
- stagger - The erratic flight of an arrow.
- stalker quiver - A hip quiver designed to protect broadheads from damage and the archer from broadhead injuries.
- stalls - Leather fingertip coverings that look like a shooting glove without the strap. These cover the appropriate fingertips of the shooting hand only.
- stance - The position of the feet, usually in reference to their relation to the target.
- static recurve - An older design of recurve bow where the limb tips bend abruptly toward the back.
- static spine - The measurement of the stiffness of an arrow that permits it to get around the bow and straighten itself efficiently: more stiffness equals greater spine (a.k.a. "spine").
- statistical officer - An individual who handles the scores and reporting for a shooting event.
- stave - An older term for a roughly trimmed length of wood from which a self bow is fashioned (a.k.a. "bow stave").
- steam bending - A process where heat, in the form of steam, is applied to wood in order to temporarily soften it allowing it to be bent into another shape. Holding the wood until it cools can cause the bend to become a permanent change.
- steelbow - An English term for a bow, usually of flattened pipe, made of steel.
- stele - A rod used to make an arrow (a.k.a. "arrow shaft").
- stirrup crossbow - An archaic term for a large crossbow with a stirrup for the foot, used to hold the crossbow steady when drawing the string, especially when two hands are necessary for winding the winch.
- stone bow - A archaic type of bow that was used in England to shoot stones or pellets (a.k.a. "pellet bow").
- stop - A call used to warn a person to beware of arrows being shot (a.k.a. "fast" or "timber").
- straight-aways target - A target or quarry flying on a line directly away from the shooter.
- straight bow - A bow that is neither recurve nor reflex. When unstrung, the bow is straight.
- straight fletch - The placing of feathers parallel to the shaft with no helical twist.
- straight grip - A grip with very little throat or inset part of the riser (a.k.a. "broom handle").
- straight-wrist - Bow hand holding position in which the bow arm and bow hand form a straight line.
- straight offset fletch - Fletching where the feather is straight but mounted angled on the shaft rather than parallel to it.
- straight-stave bow - A bow made from a stave having essentially no natural or induced reflex, deflex, or curves. Once tillered and used, a straight-stave bow may show considerable deflex.
- straight-wrist - Bow hand holding position in which the bow arm and bow hand form a straight line.
- stretch - Any elongation, recoverable or not, of a material.
- string - A cord used to shoot a bow that is generally three to four inches shorter than the bow (a.k.a. "bow string," "brace," or "cord"). Also, to place the arrow on the string in the proper position for shooting.
- string alignment - Using the bow string as a back sight to better align the shot.
- string board - A device used to build any length Flemish twist bow string.
- string dampener - A rubber fitting (or other material) that deadens the twang of the bow string upon release and which is used in hunting.
- string fingers - The three fingers used to draw back the bow string.
- string follow - A permanent bend in a bow (a.k.a. "set").
- string groove - A shallow groove in the belly of a recurve limb where the bow string lays.
- string hand - The hand that holds the string during the draw (a.k.a. the "drawing hand").
- string hand side - The dominant-eye side of the body, bow, or target.
- string height - A unit of rough measurement consisting of the clenched fist with the thumb raised. It indicates the approximately correct distance between the bow and the bow string at the handle (a.k.a. "brace height," "bracing height," or "fistmele").
- string jig - A device used to make bow strings.
- string keeper - A piece of leather, string, or ribbon attached to the bow string loop on one side and the bow limb tip on the other. It is used to keep the bow string taught when the bow is unstrung (a.k.a. "bow ribbon").
- string material - String made of Dacron, polyester, or other material, which may be of any color, that is used to create bow strings.
- string nocks - Notches in the tips of the bow's limbs to hold the bowstring in place (a.k.a. "bow notch," "notch," or "string notch").
- string separator - A device for installing string silencers that opens the string with a eapered tip that will not damage the bow string.
- string peep - A piece inserted between the strands of the bow string at eye level through which the archer looks while aiming (a.k.a. "peep").
- string serving - The wrapping of thread around the center the bow string to protect it from wear from the fingers of the archer (a.k.a. "serving" or "whipping").
- string silencer - Strands of rubber, plastic, yarn, or natural material (such as beaver fur, musk ox wool, muskrat fur, or otter fur) attached to the bow string to keep it from vibrating after the shot, thus eliminating string noise (a.k.a. "silencer" or "silencing aid").
- string stop - A silencer on a compound bow that is attached at some point along the riser or at the ends of the limbs that extend back toward the bow string (a.k.a. "arrester").
- string tracker - Any of several tracking devices used by bowhunters to aid in recovering game animals.
- string walking - Used by bare bow archers, it describes the fingers moved up and down the bow string according to target distance.
- stringer - A device using leather pouches (or other materials) on each end, or a pouch on one end and a loop on the other, to string and unstring a bow (a.k.a. "bow stringer").
- strung bow - A bow that is ready for shooting.
- stump shooting - A type of game or competition in which archers shoot at various objects in fields and woodlands, not knowing the exact distance to them. The archer picks out small targets, such as dirt mounds, rotten stumps or leaves, shoots one arrow, and repeats the practice on a new target. This is one of the most effective methods of learning to shoot a traditional bow (a.k.a. "roving").
- swage - The tapered shaping of an aluminum arrow tip to accept any number of glue-on points or broadheads. Or, the tapered conical end of an arrow where the nock is fitted, as opposed to the open cut end of the tube where the pile is fitted.
T
- T-form - A shooting form in which an archer's body, bow arm, and draw arm resemble a "T" shape.
- tab - A flat piece of material that protects the fingers of the archer's shooting hand to allow a smoother release of the bow string (a.k.a. "finger cot," "finger tab," or "shooting tab").
- tackle - Archery equipment.
- tackle line - A line 10 yards behind the shooting line indicating the area where equipment may be left during a shoot and where archers may set up their chairs and tents (a.k.a. "equipment line" or "tent line").
- take - The process of rendering game animals into the possession of the archer, broadly defined by most game agencies.
- take-down bow - A longbow, recurve, or selfbow that can be taken apart into two or three pieces, usually by bolts, sleeve or hinge, for convenience of storage or transportation (a.k.a. "carriage bow," "jointed bow," "take down bow," "takedown bow," or "TD bow").
- taper tool - A device with a blade that is used to taper wood arrows for applying nocks.
- tapered arrow - An arrow that tapers from 23/64 inches to 5/16 inches at the nock, usually starting approximately nine inches from the nock. A tapered arrow leaves the bow, especially a longbow, much quieter due to less chaffing of the arrow against the arrow plate.
- target - The object at which an archer aims (a.k.a. "mark").
- target archery - Shooting at non-moving targets placed at varying distances.
- target arrow - An arrow, light in weight, used for shooting at the normal type of stationery target.
- target card - A score card or scoresheet colored in the same manner as the target containing the nanes of the shooters and used for scoring the respective hits.
- target face - The outer covering of a target on which is marked the bullseye and the various circles.
- target line - An identified distance at which targets are set down and secured.
- target mat - The straw, usually a disk, to which the target face is attached and which stops the arrow so that its value can be scored (a.k.a. "mat").
- target paralysis - A psychological problem in which the archer "chokes" under pressure, loses his aim, or becomes incapable of releasing when aligned on a target (a.k.a. "archer's catalepsy [an old term]," archer's paralysis," "buck fever," "gold fever," "gold shyness" or "target panic").
- target pin - A head and shank used to attach paper targets to foam or hay bales (a.k.a. "bale pin" or "face pin").
- target point - A bullet-shaped practice head that is used for target shooting.
- target shooting - A competitive event that uses projectile weapons for tests of proficiency.
- target stand - A tripod, 3-legged, or four-legged frame that holds a target.
- tassel - A piece of fabric that some archers wear on their quiver or belt to clean arrows that become wet or soiled (a.k.a. "yarn tassel").
- tear drop - A device at the end of a compound bow cable that is used to attach the string more quickly.
- tendon - A tough, fibrous tendon from an animal leg or loin that is used as a backing material on many selfbows (a.k.a. "sinew").
- tension - The active engagement of the back muscles during the shot process. The tension should be felt through the shoulder blades. One of the critical components of a clean shot and unique to learning archery (a.k.a. "back tension")
- tension break - When the bow back breaks first, it often leaves belly wood directly beneath unbroken. .
- tent line - A line 10 yards behind the shooting line indicating the area where equipment may be left during a shoot and where archers may set up their chairs and tents (a.k.a. "equipment line" or "tackle line").
- throat - The narrowest portion of the grip where the thumb and index finger encircle it.
- throwaways - Arrows that, because they are damaged in some way, are used for shots on which the arrow stands a good chance of being lost or broken.
- throwing - Moving the bow hand away from where the bow was when shooting.
- thumb ring - A protective circular band for an archer's thumb that is used to draw and release the bow string.
- tiller - The difference between the upper limb and lower limb measurements from the bow string to the belly at the fadeout. Most bows are ordinarily tillered to allow a stiffer lower limb because of the drawing hand being placed above the center of the bow string. Also, a process boyers use to balance forces applied to limbs when a bow is strung by adjusting the shape, strength, or size of a bow.
- timber - A call used to warn a person to beware of arrows being shot (a.k.a. "fast" or "stop").
- timber hitch - A knot that makes an adjustable loop to quickly change the length of the bow string. It is usually the bottom loop of a Flemish bow string (a.k.a. "bowyer's knot").
- tip - Either end of the bow, as differentiated from the head of an arrow.
- tip overlays - Material laminated the back of the limb tip, usually to strengthen it, and to provide additional material for fashioning the string nock.
- tip protector - A piece, usually of leather, that fits over the bow limb tip to offer protection from damage.
- toe markers - Lines or devices to indicate where the archer wishes to place his feet at the shooting line (a.k.a. "foot markers").
- torque - An unintentional and undesirable twisting of the bow by the bow hand, or of the bow string by the string hand.
- torque flight compensator (TFC) - A flexible coupling for stabilizers normally used with shorter 8- to 12-inch twin rods that allows the shorter rods to absorb the vibration better (a.k.a. "TFC").
- toxology - The study of the bow or archery-related items.
- toxophilite - A term meaning a student or devotee of archery.
- Toxophilus - The title of the first book to teach archery published in 1544 by Roger Ascham. The term is from the Greek "toxon" (bow) and "philos" (loving).
- toxophily - The love of, or an addiction to, archery.
- torque - An unintentional and undesirable twisting of the bow by the bow hand, or of the bow string by the string hand.
- tracer nock - A nock with an imbedded light to allow tracking at night.
- trade point - A flat blade with a flat shank to slide into the arrow shaft. The name comes from the points Europeans traded to Native Americans for furs; generally made from barrel bands.
- training arm guard - An arm guard that covers the elbow as well as the forearm of the bow arm.
- trajectory - The curved flight path of an arrow.
- tree sight - A specialized sight the compensates for the downward angle of the bow when shooting with the arm lowered rather than extended straight from the shoulder.
- treestand - A seat that may be attached to a tree.
- trigger - To release the bowstring using a release aid. Also, the mechanism in a crossbow to release the bowstring.
- true draw length - The distance from the string to the far edge of the arrow rest.
- tune - To adjust the arrow rest, pressure point, string height, and nocking height to achieve good arrow flight (a.k.a. "tuning").
- tuning paper - A sheet of paper through which an arrow is shot to determine the changes to be made to the bow set-up determined by the tear of the hole in the paper.
- turn - A twist in a bow to the right or left of the bow string.
- two-wheel bow - A two-wheel compound bow design that uses eccentric wheels or cams at the end of both limbs but without idlers, that allows more let-off at full draw than a four-wheel bow.
U
- underbowed - Equipped with a bow that is not as strong as the one the archer is capable of using (a.k.a. "under-bowed").
- underdraw - Not to draw sufficient arrow length (a.k.a. "under-draw" or "under draw").
- underspine - An arrow that is too weak for the bow from which it is shot, as opposed to "overspine," where the arrow is too stiff for the bow.
- understrung - A bow that has too long a bow string, and hence is somewhat slack.
- unit aiming - Maintaining the relationship of the arms, head, and shoulders by adjusting the aiming from the waist.
- unlimited - A category in which an archer shoots with a trigger and has a stabilizer bar longer than fifteen inches.
- unshot arrow - In competition, if an arrow is dropped or mis-shot (excluding bouncers) and the archer can reach it from the shooting position, the arrow is considered to be "unshot" and can be re-shot with the permission of the judge or field captain.
- upshot - The last shot in an archery contest.
- up wind - Wind blowing directly from the target to the archer.
- USA Archery (USSA) - The national governing body of United States Olympic archery that is the official representative to the FITA.
V
- V-bar - A coupling attached to a bow to take a longrod, short rods, or other stabilizers.
- valley - How much you can move the string away from full draw of a compound bow and towards the riser before the draw begins to get heavy again.
- vane - A type of fletching, other than feather, usually made of plastic.
- velocity - The speed at which an arrow travels measured in feet per second.
W
- waiting line - A visible line on the ground in back of the shooting line (usually 5 yards) behind which archers must wait after shooting an end.
- walk-back tuning - A system of bow tuning shooting fletched and unfletched arrows at a target at progressively greater distances and using the pattern made by the arrows to adjust the nocking point or pressure button settings.
- wall - The point where a compound bow is fully drawn.
- wand - A long, narrow target, usually six feet by two inches, set up as a mark at which to shoot arrows.
- wand shoot - An archery event in which 36 arrows are shot at a slat of soft wood that is typically six feet tall and two inches wide.
- war bow - A longbow with a draw weight in excess of 100 pounds.
- watch the arrow - Form exercise in which the archer focuses on the tip of the arrow or face of the bow and not the target.
- wax - A substance used to seal a bow string and bind the strands together.
- weight - The weight, measured in pounds, used to bring the bow to full draw of twenty-eight inches (a.k.a. "bow weight," "draw weight," or "poundage").
- weight in hand - The actual weight of the bow.
- Welsh longbow - A powerful medieval bow (a.k.a. "English longbow").
- whet - To sharpen or hone a broadhead.
- whip ended - A bow that is too thin or weak at the tips (a.k.a. "whip end").
- whip finish - The winding of a strand of material over itself to lock the end in place, usually accomplished by winding the material over a loop of strong material, tucking the end of the wound material through the loop, and pulling the loop out, drawing the material under itself.
- whipping - The wrapping of thread around the center the bow string to protect it from wear from the fingers of the archer (a.k.a. "serving" or "string serving").
- whistling arrow - An arrow with a large hollow head with openings in front and sides that when shot akes a whistling sound.
- white - The outer ring of a target.
- wide arrow - An arrow that falls wide of the target.
- William Tell - A shooting contest in which the archers shoot at a picture of a boy with an apple on his head. The archer who hits the apple wins.
- windage - The amount of drift of an arrow as caused by the wind. Archers should make allowances for drift if a wind is blowing across the range. Also, the left-right adjustment of the bow sight or the pin on the bow sight.
- windlass - The tackle to draw the largest medieval crossbow.
- window - The cut-out section of the bow above the handle that allows the arrow to come closer to the centerline of the bow. It aids in reducing the effects of the "archer's paradox" (a.k.a. "bow window" or "window").
- wobble - The erratic motion of an arrow during flight.
- wood - The earliest material used for the construction of bows and arrows.
- working recurve - The recurved portion of the bow limb that straightens to some degree as the bow string is drawn.
- World Archery (WA) - The international governing body for archery, formally known as the Fédération Internationale de Tir à l'Arc (FITA).
- World Championships - Annual events hosted by World Archery. Unlike the World Cup, Championships are standalone events. There are Championships for different disciplines, including Outdoor Target, Indoor Target, Field, and Clout.
- worst white - An award given to an archer whose arrow hits the outermost scoring area of the target, that is, the one who is nearest to entirely missing the target.
- wrist sling - A strap that attaches to or encircles the bow and passes over the bow wrist and/or hand that keeps the bow from falling after the string is released. It is used if the archer shoots with a relaxed bow hand. See "finger sling."
X
- X-nock - An arrow nock used on some carbon arrows that fits into a nock bushing and which is imilar in size to an H-nock.
- X-ring - The innermost gold circle, located inside the 10-ring. It scores 10 points, but is recorded as "X" and used as a tiebreaker (a.k.a. "X ring").
Y
- yarn tassel - A tuft of yarn that some archers wear on their quiver or belt to clean arrows that become wet or soiled (a.k.a. "tassel").
- yaw - The erratic motion of an arrow during its flight to the target.
- yew - A type of wood traditionally used to make bows.
- yoke - A Y-shaped control cable that attaches to the outside of the upper limb at the axle pin of a compound bow.
- yoke tuning - Tuning a compound bow by adjusting each side of the yoke in order to achieve a linear trajectory of the bow string as it comes off the idler wheel at full draw.
Z
- zeroing - Calibrating a bow sight so that the sighting device coincides with the desired point of impact.
Finder
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