armatures

n. [ L. armatura, fr. armare to arm: cf. F. armature. See Arm, v. t., Armor. ] 1. Armor; whatever is worn or used for the protection and defense of the body, esp. the protective outfit of some animals and plants. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Magnetism) A piece of soft iron used to connect the two poles of a magnet, or electro-magnet, in order to complete the circuit, or to receive and apply the magnetic force. In the ordinary horseshoe magnet, it serves to prevent the dissipation of the magnetic force. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Arch.) Iron bars or framing employed for the consolidation of a building, as in sustaining slender columns, holding up canopies, etc. Oxf. Gloss. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Elec.) That moving part of a dynamo or electric generator in which a current is induced by a moving through a magnetic field, or, in an electric motor, the part through which the applied current moves, thereby generating torque. The armature usually consists of a series of coils or groups of insulated conductors surrounding a core of iron. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]