'adderbolt' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'aderbolt', where 'ader' meant 'adder' and 'bolt' referred to a projectile.

'aderbolt' changed from the Middle English word 'aderbolt' and eventually became the modern English word 'adderbolt'.

Initially, it meant 'a bolt for shooting adders', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a crossbow bolt'.