Originally meant to be wearing armor, and therefore be ready to fight or defend oneself from attack. It has since been taken to mean being posessed of a weapon.

Armed (#), a.

1.

Furnished with weapons of offense or defense; furnished with the means of security or protection.

"And armed host."

Dryden.

2.

Furnished with whatever serves to add strength, force, or efficiency.

A distemper eminently armed from heaven. De Foe.

3. Her.

Having horns, beak, talons, etc; -- said of beasts and birds of prey.

Armed at all points Blazoning, completely incased in armor, sometimes described as armed cap-a-pie. Cussans. -- Armed en flute. Naut. See under Flute. -- Armed magnet, a magnet provided with an armature. -- Armed neutrality. See under Neutrality.

 

© Webster 1913.

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