[f. ARM sb.1]
1. The hollow under the arm where it is jointed to the trunk.
a. 1400. Metr. Voc., in Wright, Voc., 179. Acella, arme-pytt.
1528. Paynell, Salerne Regim., Rj. Under ye arme pittis, and in the groynes.
a. 1656. Bp. Hall, Rem. Wks., 130. We are unwilling to put the rags under our arme-pits.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., III. 630. The English infantry struggled through the river, up to their armpits in water.
2. The corresponding cavity in other animals. Cf. ARM-HOLE. arch. or Obs.
1601. Holland, Pliny, II. 347. The Elephant alone hath twaine vnder his shoulders or legs before … lying hidden as it were within the arm-pits.
† 3. fig. The axil of a plant. Obs.
1601. Holland, Pliny, II. 123. Vnder the wings or arm-pits (as it were) of the leaues.
