Bible Dictionary
Armlet
An armlet was an ornament worn around the upper arm, especially by women and persons of rank. It could also serve as a sign of distinction or royalty.
Definition
An armlet was an ornament worn around the upper arm, especially by women and by persons of rank. Princes used armlets as insignia of royalty, and distinguished persons wore them as marks of status.
Biblical Usage
The ornament translated “bracelet” in the account of Saul may denote an armlet or arm-band worn on the upper arm. Related terms are also translated as chains or ornaments in other passages.
Historical Background
Armlets were common eastern ornaments and are distinguished in the supplied material from bracelets and anklets. The precise nature of some ornaments mentioned in Exodus and Numbers is uncertain.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
an ornament universal in the East, especially among women; used by princes as one of the insignia of royalty, and by distinguished persons in general. The word is not used in the Authorized Version, as even in (2 Samuel 1:10) it is rendered by “the bracelet on his arm.”
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>arm'-let: The word translated "bracelet" in 2Sa 1:10 the King James Version, probably denotes an "armlet," or "arm-band," worn on the upper arm. But it is the same word which with a different context is rendered "ankle- chains" (in Nu 31:50 the Revised Version (British and American)). The "bracelet" of Sirach 21:21 the King James Version, worn upon the right arm, was an "armlet," as is seen from the list given of Judith's ornaments: who "decked herself bravely with her armlets (the Revised Version (British and American) `chains') and her bracelets, and her rings, and her ear-rings, and all her ornaments" (Judith 10:4). The nature of the ornaments given in the Revised Version (British and American) as "armlets," Ex 35:22; Nu 31:50, and in the King James Version as "tablets," is uncertain. For full and distinguishing, descriptions of "arm-lets," "anklets," "bracelets," etc., found in ancient graves, see PEFS, 1905, 318 ff. See also ORNAMENT.</p><p>George B. Eager</p>