Ar"my (&?;), n. [F. armée, fr. L. armata, fem. of armatus, p. p. of armare to arm. Cf. Armada.]
1. A collection or body of men armed for
war, esp. one organized in companies, battalions, regiments, brigades, and divisions, under proper officers.
2.
A body of
persons organized for the advancement of a cause; as, the Blue Ribbon Army.
3. A great number; a vast multitude; a host.
An
army of good words.
Shak.
Standing army, a permanent army of professional soldiers, as distinguished from militia or volunteers.