In arms

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. [1913 Webster]

He lays down his arms, but not his wiles. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Three horses and three goodly suits of arms. --Tennyson. [1913 Webster]

2. The deeds or exploits of war; military service or science. ``Arms and the man I sing.'' --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

3. (Law) Anything which a man takes in his hand in anger, to strike or assault another with; an aggressive weapon. --Cowell. Blackstone. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

5. (Falconry) The legs of a hawk from the thigh to the foot. --Halliwell. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]

{Arm's end},

{Arm's length},

{Arm's reach}. See under {Arm}. [1913 Webster]