English word arm comes from Proto-Indo-European *h₂(e)rmos, Old French (842-ca. 1400) armes, and later Old French (842-ca. 1400) arme (Weapon.)
You can also see our other etymologies for the English word arm. Currently you are viewing the etymology of arm with the meaning: (Verb Noun) (figurative) To furnish with means of defence; to prepare for resistance; to fortify, in a moral sense.. To cover or furnish with a plate, or with whatever will add strength, force, security, or [...](figurative) To furnish with means of defence; to prepare for resistance; to fortify, in a moral sense.. To cover or furnish with a plate, or with whatever will add strength, force, security, or [...]
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *h₂(e)rmos | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | fitting |
| armes | Old French (842-ca. 1400) (fro) | |
| arma | Latin (lat) | (Late Latin) weapon. (pluralonly) defence. (pluralonly) defensive arms, armor/armour, shields, weapons of war.. (pluralonly) soldiers, military power. (pluralonly) tools. (pluralonly) war. |
| arma | Late Latin (LL) | |
| arme | Old French (842-ca. 1400) (fro) | Weapon. |
| armes | Middle English (1100-1500) (enm) | |
| arm | English (eng) | (figurative) To furnish with means of defence; to prepare for resistance; to fortify, in a moral sense.. To cover or furnish with a plate, or with whatever will add strength, force, security, or efficiency.. To fit (a magnet) with an armature.. To prepare a tool or a weapon for action; to activate.. To supply with armour or (later especially) weapons. (in the plural) heraldic bearings or [...] |