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.

---

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

---

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

Fall in is executed with the piece at order arms.

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

At the command march, the leading file or files halt and come to order arms.

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

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

From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by Moss, James A. (James Alfred)