name and arms clause The clause, sometimes inserted in a will or settlement by which property is given to a person, for the purpose of imposing on him the condition that he shall assume the surname and arms of the testator or settlor, with a direction that if he neglects to assume or discontinues the use of them, the estate shall devolve on the next person in remainder. A name and arms clause which is sufficiently certain valid. See. e.g. Re Neeld [1969] 1 W.L.R. 998.