arm in arm Definition

arm¹
noun

1a. In humans: either of the two upper limbs of the body, from the shoulders to the hands;
1b. A limb of an octopus, squid, starfish, etc.
2. Anything shaped like or similar to this.

Example: the arm of the record player
3. The sleeve of a garment.
4. The part of a chair, etc that supports a person's arm.
5. A section or division of a larger group, eg of the army, etc.

Thesaurus: branch, department, subsidiary, division, unit.
6. Power and influence.

Example: the long arm of the law

Derivative: armless
adj

Derivative: armlike
adj

Idiom: arm in arm

With arms linked together.

Idiom: at arm's length

At a distance, especially to avoid becoming too friendly.
Thesaurus: aloof, unfriendly, distant, remote, haughty.

Idiom: with open arms

Wholeheartedly; in a very friendly way.
Thesaurus: warmly, cordially, affectionately, joyously, wholeheartedly.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon earm.