Definition of the word small arms

The term "small arms" originated during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. At the time, large cannons and artillery pieces were commonly used on the battlefield. These weapons were mounted on purpose-built carriages and required a significant number of men to operate and maneuver. In contrast, smaller, handheld weapons such as muskets, pistols, and rifles were also prevalent during this time. However, because they were smaller and more portable, they did not receive the same level of attention or importance as the larger artillery pieces. In order to differentiate these smaller weapons from the larger artillery, British military forces began referring to them as "small arms." Over time, this term came into widespread use and is still employed today to describe any kind of handheld weapon, including rifles, pistols, machine guns, and explosive devices. In summary, the term "small arms" originated during the Napoleonic Wars as a way to differentiate the smaller, handheld weapons from the larger, mounted artillery pieces that were also commonly used on the battlefield.