What does the word Arms mean in the context of heraldry?
A. The word Arms in the heraldic context (as in coat of Arms) refers to a distinctive design worn on a knight’s shield, his banner, and elsewhere on his clothing that enabled him to be identified in battle. A knight in full armour, including a face-covering helmet, was difficult to identify without these distinctive insignia. A coat of Arms is depicted on a shield, referring to the origin of the term.
