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

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

From Gaudeamus! Humorous Poems by Scheffel, Joseph Victor von

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 two and three, come to the right shoulder as from order arms.

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