1 none. 1 upper limb of the human body from shoulder to hand. 2 forelimb or tentacle of an animal. 3 a sleeve of a garment. B arm support of a chair etc. C thing branching from a main stem (an arm of the sea). D control, means of reaching (arm of the law). ? arm in arm with arms linked. At arm`s length at a distance. With open arms cordially. ? armful none. (plural. -s). [old english]
2 —none. 1 (usually. In plural.) Weapon. 2 (in plural.) Military profession. 3 branch of the military (e.g. Infantry, cavalry). 4 (in plural.) Heraldic devices (coat of arms). —verb. 1 supply, or equip oneself, with weapons etc., esp. In preparation for war. 2 make (a bomb etc.) Ready. ? take up arms go to war. Under arms equipped for war. Up in arms (usually. Foll. By against, about) actively resisting, highly indignant. [latin arma arms]