order arms

noun

1. (in the manual of arms in close-order drill) a position in which the rifle is held at the right side, with its butt on the ground.
2. (as an interjection) the command to move the rifle to this position.

order arms

interjection

1. military the order in drill to hold the rifle close to the right side with the butt resting on the ground

Word History and Origins

Origin of order arms¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Every morning the hill rang from one end to the other with the sharp commands of the company officers to "Order arms!"

From Project Gutenberg

If at order arms, the side step is executed at trail without command.

From Project Gutenberg

If at order arms, the back step is executed at trail without command.

From Project Gutenberg

Each man, as his name is called, answers here and executes order arms.

From Project Gutenberg

The guide takes the position of order arms at the command front.

From Project Gutenberg