The Collaborative International Dictionary
Arms \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.]
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Instruments or weapons of offense or defense.
He lays down his arms, but not his wiles.
--Milton.Three horses and three goodly suits of arms.
--Tennyson. The deeds or exploits of war; military service or science. ``Arms and the man I sing.''
--Dryden.(Law) Anything which a man takes in his hand in anger, to strike or assault another with; an aggressive weapon.
--Cowell. Blackstone.(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.
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(Falconry) The legs of a hawk from the thigh to the foot.
--Halliwell.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.
Arm's end,
Arm's length,
Arm's reach. See under Arm.