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 • Oct. 15, 2018

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

From Washington Post

Indoors, armed, render the prescribed salute, i.e., the rifle salute at order arms or at trail.

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

At roll call, each man, as his name or number and relief are called, will answer "Here," and come to an order arms.

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

Should the piece be inspected without handling, each man executes order arms as soon as the captain passes to the next, man.

From Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Infantry of the Army of the United States, 1917 To be used by Engineer companies (dismounted) and Coast Artillery companies for Infantry instruction and training by United States War Department