side-arms

Definition

Noun (plural only): - Weapons worn at the side of the body: "side-arms" refers to small arms, such as swords, bayonets, daggers, or pistols, that are typically carried in a holster or sheath attached to a belt or waistband for quick access.

Usage Examples

• (He wore a pistol or sword at his side.)
• (They show period-accurate weapons worn at the hip.)
• (His weapons were attached to his belt.)

Advanced Usage

• "to draw side-arms": to remove a weapon from its holster or sheath for use.
  • The soldier drew his side-arms as the enemy approached. (He quickly took out his pistol or sword.)
• "side-arms drill": a training exercise focused on drawing, using, and reholstering side-arms safely.
  • The recruits practiced side-arms drill every morning. (They rehearsed weapon-handling techniques.)

Variants and Related Words

• Side-arm (adj): describing a weapon designed to be worn at the side.
  • The side-arm holster was made of leather. (The holster held a pistol worn on the hip.)
• Sidearm (n): a single weapon worn at the side (often used as a synonym, but "side-arms" is preferred for plural collections).
  • He carried only one sidearm, a revolver. (He wore a single pistol.)

Synonyms

• Side weapons: weapons worn on the body, typically at the waist.
• Personal arms: small firearms or blades carried for self-defense.
• Holstered weapons: firearms kept in a holster.

Related Idioms

• "Keep one's side-arms ready": to be prepared for immediate action.
  • The guards kept their side-arms ready in case of an attack. (They had their weapons easily accessible.)

Notes

• "Side-arms" is always used in the plural form, even when referring to a single weapon (e.g., "He wore his side-arms" is correct, but "He wore a side-arm" is also acceptable for one weapon).