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

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

From Washington Post

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

From Washington Post

I'm the old Hebrew On a tear; I order arms, My heart is sair.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

Fall in is executed with the rifle at the order arms.

From Project Gutenberg