arm-in-armadv.adj.
/ˌɑːmɪnˈɑːm/, U.S. /ˈɑrmənˈɑrm/ A. adv.
Of two people: with the arm of one person interlinked with that of the other, so as to walk close together; (of one person) linked by the arm (with); (hence) in close or intimate relation (with).
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > [phrase] > keeping pace with > with interlinked arms
arm-in-arma1413
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) ii. l. 1116 Þey wente arm in arm y fere In to þe gardeyn.
c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 69 It fel on a nyȝt þat þei were a-slepe arme in arme.
a1558 in I. W. Archer et al. Relig., Politics, & Society in 16th-cent. Eng. (2003) f. 15 The lord chamberlayne shall appointe the greatest estate then being presente to accompanie and goe arme in arme with the said ambassadors.
1591 J. Harington tr. L. Ariosto Orlando Furioso xlvi. xxxv. 397 Don Leon arm arme in [sic] Rogero led.
a1600 R. Hooker Learned Serm. Faith in Elect (1612) 8 Continually to walk arme in arme with Angels.
1684 J. Banks Island Queens iii. i. 39 Making one Current as we make one Soul, Till Arm in Arm they in the Ocean roll.
1782 W. Cowper Charity in Poems 196 Philosophy that does not dream or stray, Walks arm in arm with nature all his way.
1866 Brit. Almanac Compan. 59 Father Mathew is arm-in-arm with Horace Walpole and the Duke of Monmouth [in the National Portrait Gallery].
1965 G. Jones Island of Apples ii. vi. 125 They walked about school arm-in-arm with their hair done up with water.
1990 Economist 22 Sept. 118/3 If Continental does end up arm-in-arm with Pirelli it is likely to be on very different terms.
2006 S. Townsend Queen Camilla 113 His brother..was arm-in-arm with a thin red-haired woman in city shorts and high heels.
B. adj. (attributive).
Characterized by closeness or intimacy, esp. between two people; carried out or performed with interlinked arms.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > embrace > [adjective] > with arms linked
arm-in-arm1755
the world > space > relative position > posture > position of specific body parts > [adjective] > arm or hand > specific arm > arm-in-arm with another
arm-in-arm1755
1755 S. Richardson Let. 15 Aug. in Sel. Lett. (1964) 320 A little arm-in-arm turn in the garden.
1824 European Mag. July 54/1 It would be but an even wager, whether Marplot, or Penruddoch..were the more preferable arm-in-arm companion.
1958 G. Barker Two Plays 65 Why, even a Kelk'd be kissing itself This arm-in-arm evening.
1978 N.Y. Times 30 Mar. b3/1 Arm-in-arm couples.
1997 J. Tate tr. G. Gerland Real Person xii. 167 They didn't have that girlish, intrusive arm-in-arm manner.
Derivatives
ˌarm-in-ˈarmly adv. rare in a close or intimate manner or relation.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > [adverb] > intimately or familiarly
couthlyc900
wellOE
homelya1400
commonlya1450
familiarlyc1450
domestically1576
inwardly1584
intimately1645
particularly1680
arm-in-armly1743
hand in glove1788
pack1874
1743 H. Walpole Let. 14 Mar. in Corr. (1954) XVIII. 192 A clerk, who had observed them go out together so arm-in-arm-ly.
1961 G. Heyer Civil Contract (2001) iii. 52 She hasn't lacked for chances to get arm-in-armly with the nobs, if she'd only made a push to do it.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2016; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adv.adj.a1413