bowshot

plural bowshots

1. countableuncountablearcheryThe act of firing an arrow from a bow.

   It is, however, interesting in connection with that fact to remember that the last bowshot in English warfare was fired during the Civil War.

   1900, Edward Walford, John Charles Cox, George Latimer Apperson, The Antiquary, page 113

2. countableuncountableThe distance that the arrow of an average archer can effectively travel.

   They are within a bowshot of the kirk door.

   1994, Henry Gilbert, Robin Hood, page 48

   2 more examples

   If you will obligingly, set up your armour targets within a shortened range, say, for instance, a Robin Hood bowshot of 200 yards, you shall see what the brute force of the old smooth-bore will do.

   1862, William Laxton, “On rifled guns and projectiles adapted for attacking armour plate defences”, in The Civil Engineer and Architect's Journal, page 395

   But first run up the King's banner, hang out all the shields, and send as many men to the fighting top as you can. And about five bowshots hence, when you get open sea on your port bow, run up a few signals.

   1952, C. S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader