Wapenshaws

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Ceremonial musters or inspections of weapons and military equipment, often performed by a militia or armed force to review readiness and condition of arms
2. Gatherings or assemblies where the arms and weaponry of a group are showcased and scrutinized for maintenance and preparedness
3. Historical events involving the display and examination of arms and armor, usually conducted to ensure the effectiveness and order of a fighting force

Etymology: "Wapenshaws" is the plural of "wapenshaw," and the singular is where the real history lies. The word comes from Scots, and it joins two Old English roots that survived in the north: "wæpen," meaning weapon, and "schawing," meaning a showing or viewing. A wapenshaw was therefore literally a showing of arms, a formal muster where men of a district brought out their weapons to be inspected and checked for readiness. Such musters were a practical part of Scottish life, since communities were expected to keep armour and weapons on hand for defence and for national service. The inspections gave local authorities a regular way to confirm that men were equipped, and the gatherings often took place on open ground where the whole neighbourhood could see the display.

Synonyms: weapon inspections, arms reviews