goat's foot

Definitions

1. A particular type of mechanism for cocking a crossbow.
2. Scutiger pes-caprae, a species of fungus in the order Russulales.

Examples

“A number⟳ of halberds, or battle-axes, also was carried. Other ordnance included two goat's feet (crossbow cocking mechanisms) and bombs, grenades, and combustible balls “for fireworks.””

“Besides being difficult, hand cocking some bows gets the string a little off center. This can reduce⟳ accuracy. From ancient times, crossbow cocking devices have⟳ helped solve⟳ both problems. A modern version of the goat's foot lever does ...”

“Two arms of the goat's foot were placed back of the pin, and hooks on the pivot were used to grasp the string.”

“The “Frankish crossbow” used by the Crusaders was more powerful and greatly impressed Muslims who encountered it […] As crossbows became more powerful a “goat's foot lever” or rack-and-pinion device was used to draw⟳ them.”

“The goat's foot lever is about the length of my forearm and as wide as the stock⟳. This machine's design⟳ is simple. The lever's two tines hook onto the loose string. The string is tightened by pulling the lever towards me.”

CEFR level