port arms

noun

: a position in the manual of arms in which the rifle is held diagonally in front of the body with the muzzle pointing upward to the left
also : a command to assume this position

Examples of port arms in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An infantry Marine may see the slanted structure as a soldier at port arms. Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

from the command port arms!

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of port arms was in 1795

Dictionary Entries Near port arms

Cite this Entry

“Port arms.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/port%20arms. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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