鏑矢かぶらや

noun

whistling arrow; signal arrow

A traditional Japanese arrow with a wooden or horn bulb (鏑) that whistles in flight. Historically used to signal the start of battle or in Shinto rituals. Also used figuratively as 'the beginning' or 'harbinger' (see 嚆矢).

See also: 嚆矢

• 合かっ戦せんの合あい図ずに鏑矢かぶらやが放はなたれた。

  A whistling arrow was shot as the signal to begin the battle.

• 神じん社じゃの儀ぎ式しきで鏑矢かぶらやが使つかわれることがある。

  Whistling arrows are sometimes used in Shinto rituals.