arms

/ ɑːmz /

plural noun

1. weapons collectively See also small arms
2. military exploits

   prowess in arms

3. the official heraldic symbols of a family, state, etc, including a shield with distinctive devices, and often supports, a crest, or other insignia
4. bear arms
   1. to carry weapons
   2. to serve in the armed forces
   3. to have a coat of arms
5. in arms or under arms
   armed and prepared for war
6. lay down one's arms
   to stop fighting; surrender
7. present arms
   military
   1. a position of salute in which the rifle is brought up to a position vertically in line with the body, muzzle uppermost and trigger guard to the fore
   2. the command for this drill
8. take arms or take up arms
   to prepare to fight
9. to arms!
   arm yourselves!
10. up in arms
    indignant; prepared to protest strongly

Word History and Origins

Origin of arms¹

C13: from Old French armes, from Latin arma; see arm ²