place of arms

noun

1. an area in a fortress or a fortified town where troops could assemble for defense.
2. an enlarged part of the covered way in a fortification.

Word History and Origins

Origin of place of arms¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

The principal guard of a garrison town, usually posted in the place-of-arms, or the market-place.

From Project Gutenberg

Bamberg, as usual, became a Prussian place-of-arms; was charged to pay ransom of 40,000 pounds;—'cannot possibly!'

From Project Gutenberg