Arrow vs. Quarrel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
An arrow is a long, thin projectile used with bows, primarily designed for distance and accuracy, while a quarrel is a shorter, heavier bolt used with crossbows, optimized for impact and penetration.
Difference Between Arrow and Quarrel
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Key Differences
An arrow, typically made from lightweight materials like wood or carbon fiber, is designed for flight stability and distance, featuring fletchings to stabilize its trajectory. Whereas a quarrel, also known as a crossbow bolt, is shorter and sturdier, often made from metal or dense wood, designed to withstand the powerful release mechanism of a crossbow.
The arrow's design includes a pointed tip, which can vary in shape depending on its intended use, such as hunting or target shooting. On the other hand, quarrels may also feature specialized tips but are generally heavier to ensure deeper penetration upon impact, suitable for hunting larger game.
Arrows are used with bows, which are held vertically and require considerable skill and physical strength to draw. Conversely, quarrels are used with crossbows, which are held horizontally and can be mechanically drawn and locked in place, allowing for easier aiming and longer periods of readiness.
The length of an arrow can vary significantly, typically ranging from 24 to 30 inches, allowing for customization based on the archer's draw length and the bow's design. Quarrels, however, are usually shorter, about 12 to 16 inches, because they must be compact enough to fit on the crossbow's shorter track.
Arrows have been used across various cultures for thousands of years for both warfare and hunting. Quarrels, while also historically significant, are closely associated with medieval warfare, providing soldiers with the ability to deliver powerful shots without the extensive training required for traditional bows.
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Comparison Chart
Length
Typically 24 to 30 inches
Typically 12 to 16 inches
Projectile Type
Used with bows
Used with crossbows
Material
Often wood, carbon fiber
Often metal, dense wood
Use
Hunting, target shooting
Hunting, especially larger game
Mechanism
Requires physical draw strength
Mechanically drawn, can be locked in place
Compare with Definitions
Arrow
A piece of sports equipment used in archery.
She chose a lightweight arrow for her archery competition.
Quarrel
A bolt used as a projectile in a crossbow.
He loaded the quarrel into the crossbow, readying himself for the hunt.
Arrow
A shafted projectile that is shot with a bow.
He pulled the arrow back in his bow, aiming carefully at the target.
Quarrel
A dart-like projectile that varies in tip design based on usage.
The quarrel's tip was designed to penetrate chain mail.
Arrow
A weapon historically used in warfare and hunting.
Ancient warriors often used arrows as their primary long-range weapon.
Quarrel
A short, heavy arrow designed for powerful impact.
The quarrel hit the armor plate and embedded deeply into the wood behind it.
Arrow
A thin, straight flying object with a sharp point designed for penetration.
The arrow flew straight and true, hitting the bullseye.
Quarrel
A type of ammunition made specifically for crossbows.
Quarrels are often made to be as sturdy as possible to withstand the force of the crossbow.
Arrow
An implement used in various traditional ceremonies.
The ceremonial arrow was beautifully decorated with feathers and beads.
Quarrel
A weapon component critical in medieval warfare.
Quarrels were a crucial part of the medieval soldier's arsenal.
Arrow
An arrow is a fin-stabilized projectile launched by a bow. A typical arrow usually consists of a long, stiff, straight shaft with a weighty (and usually sharp and pointed) arrowhead attached to the front end, multiple fin-like stabilizers called fletchings mounted near the rear, and a slot at the rear end called nock for engaging the bowstring.
Quarrel
An interaction in which the parties involved express angry disagreement with one another
I changed the subject to avoid being drawn into a quarrel.
Arrow
A weapon consisting of a thin, straight stick with a sharp point, designed to be shot from a bow
I've never used a bow and arrow
The road continues straight as an arrow
Quarrel
A reason for a dispute or argument
We have no quarrel with the findings of the committee.
Arrow
Move or appear to move swiftly and directly
Lights arrowed down into the airport
Quarrel
A bolt for a crossbow.
Arrow
A missile having a straight thin shaft and typically having a pointed head at one end and flight-stabilizing vanes at the tail end, meant to be shot from a bow.
Quarrel
A tool, such as a stonemason's chisel, that has a squared head.
Arrow
Something, such as a directional symbol, that is similar to an arrow in form or function.
Quarrel
A small diamond-shaped or square pane of glass in a latticed window.
Arrow
To move like an arrow.
Quarrel
To express angry disagreement; engage in a quarrel
The children quarreled over the last piece of cake.
Arrow
To shoot with an arrow
Arrowed a deer.
Quarrel
To find fault or disagree
I quarrel with your conclusions.
Arrow
A projectile consisting of a shaft, a point and a tail with stabilizing fins that is shot from a bow.
Quarrel
(countable) A dispute or heated argument (especially one that is verbal).
We got into a silly quarrel about what food to order.
Arrow
A sign or symbol used to indicate a direction (e.g. →).
Quarrel
(countable) Often preceded by a form of to have: a basis or ground of dispute or objection; a complaint; also, a feeling or situation of ill will and unhappiness caused by this.
A few customers in the shop had some quarrels with us, so we called for the manager.
I have no quarrel with her; it’s her partner whom I dislike.
Arrow
(graph theory) A directed edge.
Quarrel
A propensity to quarrel; quarrelsomeness.
Arrow
A dart.
Quarrel
An arrow or bolt for a crossbow or an type]] of crossbow, traditionally with the head square in its cross section.
Arrow
(computing) The -> symbol, which has specific meanings in various programming languages.
Quarrel
A diamond- or square-shaped piece of glass forming part of a lattice window.
Arrow
(botany) The inflorescence or tassel of a mature sugar cane plant.
Quarrel
A square tile; a quarry tile; (uncountable) such tiles collectively.
Arrow
(intransitive) To move swiftly and directly (like an arrow).
Quarrel
A cutting tool or chisel with a diamond- or square-shaped end.
Arrow
(transitive) To let fly swiftly and directly.
Quarrel
A small square-shaped opening in window tracery.
Arrow
To develop an inflorescence.
Quarrel
To argue fiercely; to contend; to squabble; to cease to be on friendly terms, to fall out.
Arrow
To navigate using the arrow keys.
Arrow left until you reach the start of the text you want to delete.
Quarrel
(intransitive) To find fault; to cavil.
To quarrel with one’s lot
Arrow
A missile weapon of offense, slender, pointed, and usually feathered and barbed, to be shot from a bow.
Quarrel
Followed by at: to disagree with; to take offence.
Arrow
A mark to indicate a direction or relation
Quarrel
To argue or squabble with (someone).
Arrow
A projectile with a straight thin shaft and an arrowhead on one end and stabilizing vanes on the other; intended to be shot from a bow
Quarrel
An arrow for a crossbow; - so named because it commonly had a square head.
To shoot with arrows and quarrel.
Two arblasts, . . . with windlaces and quarrels.
Quarrel
Any small square or quadrangular member
Quarrel
A glazier's diamond.
Quarrel
A four-sided cutting tool or chisel having a diamond-shaped end.
Quarrel
A breach of concord, amity, or obligation; a falling out; a difference; a disagreement; an antagonism in opinion, feeling, or conduct; esp., an angry dispute, contest, or strife; a brawl; an altercation; as, he had a quarrel with his father about expenses.
I will bring a sword upon you that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant.
On open seas their quarrels they debate.
Quarrel
Ground of objection, dislike, difference, or hostility; cause of dispute or contest; occasion of altercation.
Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him.
No man hath any quarrel to me.
He thought he had a good quarrel to attack him.
Quarrel
Earnest desire or longing.
Quarrel
One who quarrels or wrangles; one who is quarrelsome.
Quarrel
To violate concord or agreement; to have a difference; to fall out; to be or become antagonistic.
Our people quarrel with obedience.
But some defect in herDid quarrel with the noblest grace she owed.
Quarrel
To dispute angrily, or violently; to wrangle; to scold; to altercate; to contend; to fight.
Beasts called sociable quarrel in hunger and lust.
Quarrel
To find fault; to cavil; as, to quarrel with one's lot.
I will not quarrel with a slight mistake.
Quarrel
To quarrel with.
Quarrel
To compel by a quarrel; as, to quarrel a man out of his estate or rights.
Quarrel
An angry dispute;
They had a quarrel
They had words
Quarrel
An arrow that is shot from a crossbow; has a head with four edges
Quarrel
Have a disagreement over something;
We quarreled over the question as to who discovered America
These tewo fellows are always scrapping over something
Common Curiosities
What are the primary uses of quarrels?
Quarrels are primarily used for hunting, especially larger game, due to their powerful impact.
What is an arrow?
An arrow is a long, shafted projectile used with a bow, designed for range and accuracy.
What are the primary uses of arrows?
Arrows are used for both recreational and competitive archery, as well as hunting.
Can arrows be used in a crossbow?
No, arrows are too long and not designed to be used in crossbows.
What materials are arrows made from?
Arrows are commonly made from materials like wood, carbon fiber, and sometimes aluminum.
Are there different types of arrowheads?
Yes, arrowheads come in various shapes and materials, including broadheads for hunting and target points for practice.
How do arrows differ from quarrels in design?
Arrows are longer and designed for stability and distance, while quarrels are shorter and built for penetration and impact.
How do the flight characteristics differ between arrows and quarrels?
Arrows are designed for longer, more stable flights, whereas quarrels are optimized for shorter, more forceful impacts.
What is a quarrel?
A quarrel is a bolt used with crossbows, shorter and heavier than arrows, optimized for impact.
What materials are quarrels made from?
Quarrels are typically made from denser materials like metal or hardened wood.
What skills are required to use arrows effectively?
Effective use of arrows requires skills in archery, including strength, precision, and technique.
Can quarrels be used in a standard bow?
No, quarrels are too short and heavy to be effectively used with a standard bow.
Are there different types of quarrel heads?
Yes, quarrel heads can vary, typically designed for specific types of penetration, such as piercing armor.
How did historical use of arrows and quarrels differ?
Arrows have been widely used across various cultures and time periods for hunting and warfare, whereas quarrels were particularly significant in medieval European warfare.
What skills are required to use quarrels effectively?
Using quarrels effectively involves operating a crossbow, which requires less physical strength but more mechanical knowledge and aiming skills.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
