Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Weapon
Weap′on
(wĕp′ŭn; 277)
, Noun.
[OE.
wepen
, AS. wǣpen
; akin to OS. wāpan
, OFries. wēpin
, wēpen
, D. wapen
, G. waffe
, OHG. waffan
, wāfan
, Icel. vāpn
, Dan. vaaben
, Sw. vapen
, Goth. wēpna
, pl.; of uncertain origin. Cf. Wapentake
.] 1.
An instrument of offensive of defensive combat; something to fight with; anything used, or designed to be used, in destroying, defeating, or injuring an enemy, as a gun, a sword, etc.
The
weapons
of our warfare are not carnal. 2 Cor. x. 4.
They, astonished, all resistance lost,
All courage; down their idle
All courage; down their idle
weapons
dropped. Milton.
2.
Fig.: The means or instrument with which one contends against another;
“Woman’s weapons, water drops.” as, argument was his only
. weapon
Shak.
3.
(Bot.)
A thorn, prickle, or sting with which many plants are furnished.
Concealed weapons
. See under
– Concealed
. Weapon salve
, a salve which was supposed to cure a wound by being applied to the weapon that made it.
[Obs.]
Boyle.
Webster 1828 Edition
Weapon
WEAPON
,Noun.
1.
Any instrument of offense; any thing used or designed to be used in destroying or annoying an enemy. The weapons of rude nations are clubs, stones and bows and arrows. Modern weapons of war are swords, muskets, pistols, cannon and the like.2.
An instrument for contest, or for combating enemies.The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. 2 Corinthians 10.
3.
An instrument of defense.4.
Weapons, in botany, arms; thorns, prickles, and stings, with which plants are furnished for defense; enumerated among the fulcres by Linne.