the limb of the human body which extends from the shoulder to the hand; also, the corresponding limb of a monkey.-anything resembling an arm-the fore limb of an animal, as of a bear.-a limb, or locomotive or prehensile organ, of an invertebrate animal.-a branch of a tree.-a slender part of an instrument or machine, projecting from a trunk, axis, or fulcrum; as, the arm of a steelyard.-the end of a yard; also, the part of an anchor which ends in the fluke.-an inlet of water from the sea.-a support for the elbow, at the side of a chair, the end of a sofa, etc.-fig.: power; might; strength; support; as, the secular arm; the arm of the law.-a branch of the military service; as, the cavalry arm was made efficient.-a weapon of offense or defense; an instrument of warfare; -- commonly in the pl.-to take by the arm; to take up in one's arms.-to furnish with arms or limbs.-to furnish or equip with weapons of offense or defense; as, to arm soldiers; to arm the country.-to cover or furnish with a plate, or with whatever will add strength, force, security, or efficiency; as, to arm the hit of a sword; to arm a hook in angling.-fig.: to furnish with means of defense; to prepare for resistance; to fortify, in a moral sense.-to provide one's self with arms, weapons, or means of attack or resistance; to take arms.