a maker of arms, or armour.—The Roman armourers were disposed in certain places in the empire, it being forbidden either to sell, or buy, or make arms elsewhere. They were exempt from all offices and taxes, and received a salary from the public.

When once they had taken the employment on themselves, neither they, nor their children, were allowed to quit it. To prevent this, they had a kind of note, or stigma, impressed on the arm, whereby they might be known. If any of them fled, or secreted their ware, the rest were obliged to answer for him; on account of which, the effects of such as died without a legal heir went to the college.—There were 15 armamentaries, or repositories of arms, in the Eastern empire, placed near the frontiers, and 19 in the Western.

Armourer of a ship, a person whose office is to take care that the arms be in a condition fit for service.