ARMATURA, in ancient military history, signifies the fixed and established military exercise of the Romans, nearly in the sense we use the word exercise. Under this word is understood, the throwing of the spear, javelin, shooting with bows and arrows, &c.
Armatura is also an appellation given to the soldiers who were light-armed. Aquinus seems without reason, to restrain armatura to the tyrones, or young soldiers.
Armatura was also a denomination given to the soldiers in the Roman emperor’s retinue.
ARMED, in a general sense, denotes something provided with, or carrying arms.
An Armed body of men, denotes a military corps or detachment, provided with arms and ammunition, ready for an engagement.
Armed, in the sea language. A cross-bar-shot is said to be armed, when some rope-yarn, or the like, is rolled about the end of the iron bar which runneth through the shot.
Armed ship, is a vessel taken into the public service, and equipped in time of war, with artillery, ammunition, and warlike instruments: in the British service an armed ship is commanded by an officer who has the rank of master and commander in the navy, and upon the same establishment with sloops of war, having a lieutenant, master, purser, surgeon, &c.
ARMEE, Fr. See [Army].
ARMEMENT, Fr. a levy of troops, equipage of war, either by land or sea.
ARMES a l’Epreuve, a French term for armor of polished steel, which was proof against the sword or small arms; but its weight so encumbered the wearer, that modern tacticians have wholly rejected its use.