parade rest

American  

noun

Military.

1. a position assumed by a soldier or sailor in which the feet are 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) apart, the hands are clasped behind the back, and the head is held motionless and facing forward.

2. a command to assume this position.

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Etymology

Origin of parade rest

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

The arch was topped by a zinc sculpture of a Confederate soldier at parade rest.

From Washington Times • Jun. 4, 2017

Defendants are called to stand front and center at parade rest before Poulson rather than sit at a table next to public defender Sharese Manker, who handles the defense of Veterans Court participants.

From Washington Times • Mar. 27, 2016

Just out of basic training, Jayson walked into headquarters and stood nervously at parade rest, wanting to make a good impression on his new commanding officer.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2015

As he talks, he comes back to his desk, stands at an easy parade rest, plunging one hand into a pocket, or crossing and uncrossing his arms.

From Time Magazine Archive

As the Hitler Youth faced the twin granite grandstands, they stood at parade rest, waiting for the Führer to address them.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti