Archery Terms
Do you know all of the archery terms out there? While most people can remember a few of them, recollecting all of them is a truly large feat.
For those that have just been introduced to this sport, the numerous archery terms that are often used can be somewhat mind boggling. So, rather than try to name all of those words that archers use, let’s focus upon a few of them that may surface more than others. You will find that this article takes into consideration words used frequently within the archery world, though some more obscure ones may require a trip to the library.
To begin, let’s start with something rather straightforward: “aim.” When an archer has taken aim, they have effectively set their sight pin on a specific target. If a sight pin is not being used, this term can refer to the tip of the arrow itself. Next, we will discuss some of the things that archers often carry with them beginning with the “arm guard.” An arm guard is a rigid piece of material that helps to protect the forearm from the bow string. Sometimes, a bow string will slap the arm causing quite a bit of pain, though an arm guard can prevent this pain.
Also, you may want to know what an arrow plate is, since they are sometimes used. An arrow plate is the one part of the bow where the arrow rests. Also, it can refer to a small piece of horn, shell, or leather that has been attached to a longbow. Next up on our list of archery terms to remember is a “bodkin.” Though this is a term that is used to refer to those days of old, many archers still speak of those medieval times. During these times, a bodkin was a specific type of arrowhead that was created to pierce chainmail. Today, these are rather hard to find.
As previously mentioned, there are hundreds (thousands even) of words and terms relating to this sport. If you want to learn them all, there are some great archery dictionaries out there. Still, most people only know a few of these words.
If you are just staring this sport, you will find that knowing various archery terms really helps when dealing with other archers. In this manner, the more that you know the better off you will be.