This is the 6534th most frequent Russian word.
crossbow
A weapon consisting of a horizontal bow mounted on a stock that shoots projectiles called bolts.
Here, 'crossbow' is used as the subject of the sentence, referring to the historical weapon.
Арбалет использовался в средневековье для охоты и войны.
The crossbow was used in the Middle Ages for hunting and warfare.
In this example, 'crossbow' is mentioned as an artifact displayed as an object.
На стене висел старинный арбалет.
An antique crossbow was hanging on the wall.
This sentence uses 'crossbow' in a context where it is actively operated by someone.