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

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

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

The bumper was at a high port arms.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut

At the preparatory command, push the bolt forward, turn the handle down, pull the trigger, and resume port arms.

From Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Cavalry of the Army of the United States 1917 to be also used by Engineer Companies (Mounted) for Cavalry Instruction and Training by Department, U. S. War