1650s, "naval force equipped for war," from Latin armamentum "implement," from Latin armare "to arm, furnish with weapons" from arma "weapons" (including defensive armor), literally "tools, implements (of war);" see arm (n.2). Meaning "process of equipping for war" is from 1813.
Arkansas
arm
armada
armadillo
Armageddon
armament
armamentarium
armature
arm-band
armchair
armed