bowstring

[boh-string] /ˈboʊˌstrɪŋ/
noun
1.
the string of an archer's bow.
2.
a string, typically of horsehair, for the bow of an instrument of the violin and viol families.
3.
(especially in the Ottoman Empire) a similar string for killing people by strangulation.
verb (used with object), bowstringed or bowstrung, bowstringing.
4.
to strangle with a bowstring or any string or band.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English bowe streng. See bow2, string
Examples from the web for bowstring
  • Compound bow is a bow that is equipped with a cam type wheel and cable system instead of a single bowstring.
  • The steel sash ventilator windows and metal bowstring truss roof provide interesting space for adaptive reuse as a retail center.
  • Each student shoots the same type of bow and cannot use shooting aids, such as sights or bowstring releases.
  • Farmer is unique among outdoor show hosts because he pulls his bowstring back with his teeth.
  • Compound or long bow: an arrow is nocked on the bowstring.
  • As she drew back the bowstring and launched the arrow she noticed a breeze blowing across the archery range.
  • One hand shall hold the bow and the other hand draw the bowstring.
British Dictionary definitions for bowstring

bowstring

/ˈbəʊˌstrɪŋ/
noun
1.
the string of an archer's bow, usually consisting of three strands of hemp