What is "arm's reach"

Arm \Arm\, n. [AS. arm, earm; akin to OHG. aram, G., D., Dan., & Sw. arm, Icel. armr, Goth. arms, L. armus arm, shoulder, and prob. to Gr. ? joining, joint, shoulder, fr. the root ? to join, to fit together; cf. Slav. rame. ?. See Art, Article.]

1. The limb of the human body which extends from the shoulder to the hand; also, the corresponding limb of a monkey.

2. Anything resembling an arm; as,

   1. The fore limb of an animal, as of a bear.

   2. A limb, or locomotive or prehensile organ, of an invertebrate animal.

   3. A branch of a tree.

   4. A slender part of an instrument or machine, projecting from a trunk, axis, or fulcrum; as, the arm of a steelyard.

   5. (Naut) The end of a yard; also, the part of an anchor which ends in the fluke.

   6. An inlet of water from the sea.

   7. A support for the elbow, at the side of a chair, the end of a sofa, etc.

3. Fig.: Power; might; strength; support; as, the secular arm; the arm of the law.

   To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
   --Isa. lii. 1.

   Arm's end, the end of the arm; a good distance off.
   --Dryden.

   Arm's length, the length of the arm.

   Arm's reach, reach of the arm; the distance the arm can reach.

   To go (or walk) arm in arm, to go with the arm or hand of one linked in the arm of another. ``When arm in armwe went along.''
   --Tennyson.

   To keep at arm's length, to keep at a distance (literally or figuratively); not to allow to come into close contact or familiar intercourse.

   To work at arm's length, to work disadvantageously.

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.]

1. 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.

2. The deeds or exploits of war; military service or science. ``Arms and the man I sing.''
   --Dryden.

3. (Law) Anything which a man takes in his hand in anger, to strike or assault another with; an aggressive weapon.
   --Cowell. Blackstone.

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.

5. (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.

n. The area within which something may be accessed without moving.