BigJ, why do you think your dictionary makes for the legal definiton of archery and what a bow? What about these dictinary's?
From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary-
Main Entry: cross·bow
Pronunciation: -"bO
Function: noun
: a weapon for discharging quarrels and stones that consists chiefly of a short bow mounted crosswise near the end of a stock
This crossbow definition calls a crossbow a "weapon" that consists of a short bow mounted on a stock. Now I know you are smart, if the dictionary said a crossbow was actually a "bow" it would say that, but it doesn't it calls it a "weapon" it's own weapon that is made with a bow and stock and other parts. In fact that is what the crossbow definition is ... a description of the actual weapon, and no where does it call it a bow.
From the Webster-Merriam dictionary again
Main Entry: 3bow
Pronunciation: 'bO
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English bowe, from Old English boga; akin to Old English bugan
1 a : something bent into a simple curve b : RAINBOW
2 : a weapon that is made of a strip of flexible material (as wood) with a cord connecting the two ends and holding the strip bent and that is used to propel an arrow
3 : ARCHER
and Archer's definiton
Main Entry: ar·cher
Pronunciation: 'är-ch&r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin arcarius, alteration of arcuarius, from arcuarius of a bow, from Latin arcus bow -- more at ARROW
1 : a person who uses a bow and arrow
Now I read that definiton of what a bow is and what an archer is .. and no where does it mention crossbows. It doesn't say a strip of flexible material with a cord connecting 2 ends used to propel arrows AND is mounted on a stock AND fires quarrels and stones. It's now there.... please read it.
Now I also don't believe a dictionary defines anything "legally". State. Local and Federal law do that. We've discussed at length their definitons, and how crossbows are not legally defined as bows.