1.(Common) An ancient/medieval ranged weapon more properly known as an "Arbaleste", which consisted of a small bow put across what developed into a gun-stock, and shot with a trigger.
2.(Slang) Something archaic, that has some modern features but is too old to be truly useful.
1. King Richard I was killed by a bolt from a crossbow.
2. That fucking icebox is such a crossbow, I wish I had a real fridge!
Use of steroids on bows and arrows was banned in the U.S. by 1987 Bows Rights Act but it is still common practice in many parts of the world. Many people see this treatment of bows and arrows unethical even though crossbows are rad.
Kind of like a sideways bow and arrow, except with a firing mechanism instead of just the person's arm/hand.
Roberta Ford was always hiding in the bushes pretending to be hunting big game with a bow and arrow as a kid. In high school she shot another girl in the back of the head with a crossbow from the bleachers at a swim meet, thinking it would make her look badass or get her a badass image on TV. She was never right in the head.