order arms

American  

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.

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order arms British  

interjection

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

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Etymology

Origin of order arms

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

order arms

Yes, they can order arms, ships and planes from others.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 15, 2018

Instantly the Union soldiers shifted from order arms to carry arms, the salute of honor.

From Washington Post

Except when rifles are slung as provided in the next sentence, each trooper executes order arms as soon as his rifle is returned to him.

From Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Cavalry of the Army of the United States 1917 to be also used by Engineer Companies (Mounted) for Cavalry Instruction and Training by Department, U. S. War

The laconic captain probably thought this warning sufficient, for he brought his musket to an "order arms," and did not afterward even deign to cast a single glance at the prisoner.

From Frank on a Gun-Boat by Castlemon, Harry

At the command three, come to the order arms.

From The Plattsburg Manual A Handbook for Military Training by Ellis, Olin Oglesby