Arms

in a general sense, signify all kinds of weapons, whether used for offence or defence. Fire - Arms , are cannon, mortars, howitzers, grenades, firelocks, rifles, fusils, carbines, guns, and pistols; or any other machine discharged by inflamed powder. Arms may properly be cla ed under two specific heads— Arms of offence , which include musquet, bayonet, sword, pistol, rifle, . Arms of defence , which are shields, helmets, coats of mail, or any species of repulsive or impenetrable covering, by which the body of a man is protected.