Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            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.'' --Dryden.

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

   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.
      --Halliwell.

   {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}.