subs. (colloquial).—A heap; a large quantity; spec. (modern), an endearment; of a ‘bouncing’ baby, a big ‘cuddlesome’ wench, etc.

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  1579.  STUBBES, Gaping Gulf, Cvij. By ARMEFULS lading [money] out of the exchequer.

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  c. 1613.  ROWLANDS, The Knaves of Spades and Diamonds, 28.

        I like a handfull of old loue and true,
Better than these whole ARMEFULS of your new.

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  c. 1720.  CENTLIVRE, The Wonder, i. 1. Thou shalt have an ARMFUL of flesh and blood.

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