ˈärmd, ˈȧmd adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from past participle of armen to arm
1.
a. : furnished with weapons of offense or defense : fortified, equipped
armed forces
b. : furnished with something that provides security, strength, or efficacy
armed with letters of recommendation
c. : furnished with organs or structures especially adapted to defense or attack
the mandibles of the armed soldier ants
rosebushes and other armed shrubs
2. heraldry
a. : blazoned
b. : represented with horns, beak, or talons or having them of a specified tincture — used of beasts and birds of prey
an eagle gules, armed or
3. : marked by the maintenance of armed forces in readiness for possible conflict
armed peace
an armed truce