Compound bow : Compound bows

A compound bow is a bow (weapon) that has pulleys set on its limbs, often at the ends of its limbs. The purpose is to make the cocked "ready-to-fire" position of the bow easier to hold. This lets a weaker person aim a more powerful bow more carefully than they otherwise could. The pulleys usually have their axles offset to provide the changing mechanical advantage.

See also longbow and archery.