n. (pl. -ies) 1 an organized force armed for fighting on land. 2 (prec. by the) the military profession. 3 (often foll. by of) a very large number (an army of locusts; an army of helpers). 4 an organized body regarded as fighting for a particular cause (Salvation Army). army ant any ant of the subfamily Dorylinae, foraging in large groups. Army List Brit. an official list of commissioned officers. army worm any of various moth or fly larvae occurring in destructive swarms.
[ ME f. OF armee f. Rmc armata fem. past part. of armare arm ]