What does the word armistice mean (French Marshal Petain)?

Question: What does the word armistice mean (French Marshal Petain)!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Petain belived a ceasefire would be the best thing for the French people!.
It wasn't the laying down of arms, just an agreement not to use them against the Germans!.
There is some interesting reading at this link!. (not a lot)Www@QuestionHome@Com

ar·mi·stice (?rm-sts)
n!.
A temporary cessation of fighting by mutual consent; a truce!.
[French, from New Latin armistitium : Latin arma, arms; see arm2 + Latin -stitium, a stopping; see st- in Indo-European roots!.]Www@QuestionHome@Com

It means a cease fire!.
It is a temporary end to hostilities prior to the signing of a treaty!.Www@QuestionHome@Com