Definition of ordnance

The word "ordnance" originates from the Middle French "arNDance," which derived from the Middle Latin "ordonnācia" or the late Latin " ordināciō." In ancient Rome, the term ordināciō referred to a set of laws, drafted by a magistrate, that addressed specific concerns or emergencies. In this sense, ordināciō was an alternative to continuously adapting existing laws, making it a form of 'ordering' or arranging of matters as required. By the 14th century, the French word arNDANCE had come to mean "arrangements for war," particularly referring to weapons and weapons systems. However, during this time, war material was a royal prerogative, and it was the monarch's duty to arrange (ordonnance) the technological and strategic aspects of warfare. Consequently, the word "ordonnance" explicitly related to the management and administration of military affairs and war-machinery, a meaning that extended into the English language in the 16th century. Currently, ordnance denotes any military equipment or store items, excluding small arms, ammunition, and explosives, classified by NATO as 'large weapons,' such as artillery, rockets, missiles, tanks, and ships.