\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}.