The part of a crossbow that is used to draw (cock) the bow is the stirrup , often used together with a cocking rope or crank mechanism. You typically place your foot through the stirrup at the front of the crossbow to anchor it, then pull the bowstring back using either:

  • A cocking rope/cocking aid that hooks onto the string and is pulled by hand, or
  • An integrated crank handle at the rear/side of the stock that reels the string back mechanically.

So, in simple terms:

  • The stirrup holds the bow steady while you draw it.
  • The cocking rope or crank is the actual part used to draw the bowstring back into the locked, ready-to-fire position.