'arbalestier' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'arbalestier', where 'arbalest' meant 'crossbow' (ultimately from Late Latin 'arcuballista').

'arbalestier' changed from Middle English forms such as 'arblastier' or 'arblaster', borrowed from Old French 'arbalestier', and ultimately traces back to Late Latin 'arcuballista' (from Latin 'arcus' meaning 'bow' + Greek 'ballista' meaning 'missile-thrower').

Initially, it meant 'a person armed with an arbalest (a crossbowman)', and this meaning has largely remained, though the term became archaic over time.