In heraldry, arms embowed, meaning arms bent at the elbow, are a symbol of readiness, strength, action, and purposeful human agency. Because the human arm is one of the clearest heraldic signs of physical ability and deliberate effort, it is often used to represent service, protection, martial skill, or the power to act with resolve. When shown embowed, the bent position gives the charge a sense of movement and intention, making it more expressive than a straight arm and often suggesting defence, labour, or command. Arms embowed frequently appear as crests, supporters’ attributes, or charges holding swords, sceptres, branches, or other objects that further define their meaning.

They are especially common in Scottish heraldry and in clan-related armorial traditions, where armed or armoured embowed arms can symbolize martial heritage and loyalty. Even when not tied to a single widely known coat of arms, arms embowed remain an important heraldic device, valued for the way they combine human symbolism with visual strength, expressing courage, capability, and the will to act.