Editing Crossbow (section)

=== Bow ===

Chinese crossbow bows were made of composite material from the start.{{sfn|Loades|2018}}

European crossbows from the 10th to 12th centuries used wood for the bow, also called the ''prod'' or ''lath'', which tended to be [[ash tree|ash]] or [[taxus|yew]].{{sfn|Loades|2018}}

Composite bows started appearing in Europe during the 13th century and could be made from layers of different material, often wood, horn, and sinew glued together and bound with animal tendon. These composite bows made of several layers are much stronger and more efficient in releasing energy than simple wooden bows.{{sfn|Loades|2018}}

As steel became more widely available in Europe around the 14th century, steel prods came into use.{{sfn|Loades|2018}}

Traditionally, the prod was often lashed to the stock with rope, [[whipcord]], or other strong cording. This is called the ''[[bridle]]''.{{sfn|Loades|2018}}