The science of heraldry, or, more justly speaking, armory, which is but one branch of heraldry, is, without doubt, of very ancient origin.
Cussans.
{ Ar`mo*zeen", Ar`mo*zine" } (&?;), n. [armosin, armoisin.] A thick plain silk, generally black, and used for clerical. Simmonds.
Arm"pit` (&?;), n. [Arm + pit.] The hollow beneath the junction of the arm and shoulder; the axilla.
Arm"rack` (&?;), n. A frame, generally vertical, for holding small 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.