present arms

noun

, Military.

1. a position of salute in the manual of arms in which the rifle is held in both hands vertically in front of the body, with the muzzle upward and the trigger side forward.
2. (for troops in formation not under arms) the hand salute.

Word History and Origins

Origin of present arms¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Related Words

• acknowledge
• bow
• congratulate
• hail
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