port arms

American  

noun

1. a position in military drill in which one's rifle is held diagonally in front of the body, with the muzzle pointing upward to the left.

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Etymology

Origin of port arms

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

They were facing us, holding their M1 Garand rifles across their chests at port arms.

From New York Times • Aug. 23, 2013

A valiant Vermonter went to port arms and demanded, according to the rules of sham battle, that a regular in an exposed position surrender.

From Time Magazine Archive

Helmet secure, and rifle held smartly at port arms, Dr. Philip Blaiberg marched off to a meeting of wartime buddies for the first time since his heart transplant last year.

From Time Magazine Archive

The bumper was at a high port arms.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut

Eighteen soldiers received them at the gate, with their muskets at "port arms"; the six abreast, with the sheriff on the right—nine soldiers on each side.

From The old Santa Fe trail The Story of a Great Highway by Buffalo Bill