Arm n.
 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, (a) The fore limb of an animal, as of a bear. (b) A limb, or locomotive or prehensile organ, of an invertebrate animal. (c) A branch of a tree. (d) A slender part of an instrument or machine, projecting from a trunk, axis, or fulcrum; as, the arm of a steelyard. (e) Naut The end of a yard; also, the part of an anchor which ends in the fluke. (f) An inlet of water from the sea. (g) 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 n. pl.
 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.”
 3. Law Anything which a man takes in his hand in anger, to strike or assault another with; an aggressive weapon.
 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.
 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.

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