under arms

English

Adjective

under arms (not comparable)

  1. (military) Equipped with weapons (of a country, army etc.); in a state of armed, military readiness. [from 17th c.]
    • 1792, Charlotte Smith, Desmond, Broadview, published 2001, page 325:
      They were preceded by a small party of the national guard, in their uniform, and under arms.
    • 1998 September 20, New York Times:
      The Taliban have only about 40,000 men under arms.
  2. (chiefly Australia) Carrying a weapon (chiefly of a criminal); of a crime, committed using a weapon or weapons. [from 19th c.]

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