ˈȯrdnən(t)s, ˈȯ(ə)d- noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English ordinaunce, from Middle French ordenance, literally, act of ordering, arranging — more at ordinance
1.
a. : military supplies including weapons, ammunition, combat vehicles, and the necessary maintenance tools and equipment
b. : a service of the army charged with the duty of procuring by purchase or manufacture and distributing the necessary ordnance for the army and organized militia and of establishing and maintaining arsenals and depots for their manufacture and safekeeping
Ordnance had to start pretty close from scratch — Time
Ordnance Corps
2. : heavy firearms discharged from mounts : cannon , artillery