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

Action: The range and windage are announced, sights are set accurately in accordance therewith and as rapidly as may be, each man coming to port arms immediately upon completing the operation.

From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by Moss, James A. (James Alfred)