Strip of wood from which a bow is carved

STAVE

Think of the curved wooden pieces that form the sides of a barrel—the same term applies to the long, narrow plank shaped for a bow.

A bow is traditionally made by shaping a long, narrow piece of wood, which is called a "stave." The clue plays it straight—no wordplay or tricks—just a direct definition. If you think of a barrel stave (the curved wood pieces that form its sides), it’s the same idea: a single strip of wood cut for a specific purpose. Here, that purpose is crafting a bow.