wap•pen•shawˈwɒp ənˌʃɔ, ˈwæp-(n.)

also wap′pen•shaw`ing

1. a periodic review of troops formerly held in Scotland to satisfy military chiefs that their men were loyal and properly armed.

   Category: Military

Origin of wappenshaw:

1495–1505; short for wappenshawing (Scots) =wappen (OE wǣpna, gen. pl. of wǣp(e)nweapon ) +shawing showing (see show , -ing1); cf. D wapenschouwing