Definition

1. Noun:
   • A heavily armed and mounted soldier in medieval times: A "man-at-arms" was a professional soldier, typically of knightly or noble rank, who fought on horseback and was equipped with heavy armor and weapons.

Usage

• The term "man-at-arms" is a historical noun used to describe a specific type of warrior from the medieval period, roughly from the 5th to the 15th century. It refers to the primary fighting unit of a feudal army, distinct from lighter cavalry, archers, or infantry.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The castle's defense relied on a company of loyal men-at-arms.
  • In the painting, the man-at-arms is depicted in full plate armor astride a warhorse.

Advanced Usage

• The plural form is men-at-arms.
  • The lord summoned his men-at-arms to prepare for battle.

Variants and Related Words

• Knight: A man granted an honorary title of knighthood for service to a monarch, often serving as a man-at-arms but with specific social and chivalric duties.
• Man-at-arms is a compound noun. Its components are not typically used separately to convey this specific historical meaning.

Synonyms

• Knight: (in a military context) A mounted soldier of high social rank.
• Cavalier: A mounted soldier; a knight.
• Warrior: (general) A person engaged or experienced in warfare.

Antonyms

• Peasant: A poor farmer of low social status, typically not a professional soldier.
• Archer: A soldier armed with a bow and arrows, usually not heavily armored.
• Foot soldier: An infantryman who fights on foot.

Noun

1. a heavily armed and mounted soldier in medieval times