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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Bred imp. & p. p. of Breed.
Bred out, degenerated. “The strain of man's bred out into baboon and monkey.” --Shak.
Bred to arms. See under Arms.
Well bred. (a) Of a good family; having a good pedigree. “A gentleman well bred and of good name.” --Shak. [Obs., except as applied to domestic animals.] (b) Well brought up, as shown in having good manners; cultivated; refined; polite.
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