A
side arm or
sidearm is a
weapon, usually a
handgun but sometimes a
dagger, knife or other
mêlée weapon, which is worn on the body in a
holster or sheath (in the case of a knife or dagger) to permit immediate access and use. A sidearm is typically required equipment for
military officers and is usually carried by
law enforcement personnel. Usually, uniformed personnel of these services wear their weapons openly, while
plainclothes personnel have their sidearms concealed under their clothes. A sidearm may be carried alone, or as a back-up to a primary weapon such as a
rifle or
carbine.