'arbalist' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'arbalestre' (also 'arbalest'), where elements trace back to Latin 'arcus' meaning 'bow' and 'ballista' meaning 'missile-throwing engine (siege engine)'.

'arbalist' changed from Medieval Latin 'arcuballista' to Old French 'arbalestre'/'arbalest', entered Middle English as 'arbalest'/'arbalist', and eventually became the modern English word 'arbalist'.

Initially it referred primarily to the weapon (the crossbow), but over time it came to be used also for the person who operated the weapon; the modern sense is 'a crossbowman'.