RE: crossbow a bow or a rifle that shoots bolts instead of bullets
I think considering a crossbow a "rifle that shoots bolts" is a stretch.
It has the same effective range and a bow, propels the same projectile (only shorter) as a bow and uses the exact same propulsion system (energy stored in limbs and projectile propelled by a string) as a bow.
It's pretty much a bow with the difference being it will stay at full draw by itself and it's shoulder mounted.