'arbalister' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'arbalester' (from Old French 'arbalestier'), where 'arbaleste' meant 'crossbow'.

'arbalister' changed from Old French 'arbalestier' and Medieval Latin 'arbalista' (ultimately related to Latin 'arcuballista'), and eventually became the modern English word 'arbalister' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a user or operator of a crossbow', and this meaning has remained largely unchanged though the term is now archaic.