| Arms | n. pl. [ OE. armes, F. arme, pl. armes, fr. L. arma, pl., arms, orig. fittings, akin to armus shoulder, and E. arm. See Arm, n. ] 1. Instruments or weapons of offense or defense. [ 1913 Webster ] He lays down his arms, but not his wiles. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] Three horses and three goodly suits of arms. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The deeds or exploits of war; military service or science. “Arms and the man I sing.” Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Law) Anything which a man takes in his hand in anger, to strike or assault another with; an aggressive weapon. Cowell. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Her.) The ensigns armorial of a family, consisting of figures and colors borne in shields, banners, etc., as marks of dignity and distinction, and descending from father to son. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. (Falconry) The legs of a hawk from the thigh to the foot. Halliwell. [ 1913 Webster ]
Bred to arms, educated to the profession of a soldier. --
In arms, armed for war; in a state of hostility. --
Small arms, portable firearms known as muskets, rifles, carbines, pistols, etc. --
A stand of arms, a complete set for one soldier, as a musket, bayonet, cartridge box and belt; frequently, the musket and bayonet alone. --
To arms! a summons to war or battle. --
Under arms, armed and equipped and in readiness for battle, or for a military parade. [ 1913 Webster ]
Arm's end,
Arm's length,
Arm's reach. See under Arm. [ 1913 Webster ]
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