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

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

For at the commencement he and his regiment were told to order arms and wait at the bottom of a hill covered by a vineyard.

From Tales by Polish Authors by Various

At the command two, lower the gun and assume the next to the last position of order arms.

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