\Ar"ma*ture\, n. [L. armatura, fr. armare to arm: cf.
F. armature. See {Arm}, v. t., {Armor}.]
1. Armor; whatever is worn or used for the protection and
   defense of the body, esp. the protective outfit of some
   animals and plants.
2. (Magnetism) A piece of soft iron used to connect the two
   poles of a magnet, or electro-magnet, in order to complete
   the circuit, or to receive and apply the magnetic force.
   In the ordinary horseshoe magnet, it serves to prevent the
   dissipation of the magnetic force.
3. (Arch.) Iron bars or framing employed for the
   consolidation of a building, as in sustaining slender
   columns, holding up canopies, etc. --Oxf. Gloss.

\Ar"ma*ture\, n. (Elec.)
That part of a dynamo or electric generator or of an electric
motor in which a current is induced by a relatively moving
magnetic field. The armature usually consists of a series of
coils or groups of insulated conductors surrounding a core of
iron.