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

The young lady is sore, it seems, because she is a French army brat and parental love is at parade rest.

From Time Magazine Archive

The hauntingly slow anthem played loudly as the entire corps stopped and stood in the deferential parade rest position until the final note ended.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore