Launcher
A style of arrow rest used extensively on compound bows.

Left-handed archer
An archer who holds the bow in the right hand and draws with the left hand to bring the arrow back under the dominant eye.

Left-handed bow
A bow with the sight window cut out on the right hand side when viewed from the face of the bow.

Let-off
The reduction in draw weight of a compound bow, when pulled to full draw, usually expressed as a percentage.
Most modern compound bows have a 65% let-off;
eg. a marked peak weight of 50 lbs. and a full draw weight of 32.5 lbs.

Level
A small spirit level, fitted in the bow sight, to indicate when the bow is being held vertical (compound bows only).

Limbs
The energy storing parts of the bow above and below the riser.

Limb Dampeners
Recently developed product consisting of a 'mushroom' shaped rubber form attached to the limbs of a bow to reduce the vibrations in the limbs after the release.

Limb pocket
A recessed slot in the top and bottom of the riser, shaped to fit the ends of the bow limbs and maintain correct limb alignment.

Limb twist
A failure in the bow limb where the bow tip turns away from aligning with the bowstring. Can be caused by over-stressing or over-exposure to very high temperatures making the laminations deflect.
In extreme cases, the bowstring can slip off the limb at full draw.

Longbow
Self bow in the tradition of the old English bows, slightly deflexed and without or with minimal reflex at the bow tips, approximately 1.7 metres (5 ft. 6 inches) in length.

Loop
The woven or served looped ends of the bowstring that fit in the bow nocks when the bow is strung.

Loose
To release the bowstring. (Old English term).
Command given to archers to begin shooting, usually in battles.