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.