call to arms

noun

1. a command to report for active military duty.

Word History and Origins

Origin of call to arms¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

I believe that most Americans would welcome a call-to-arms against combat arms from our former presidents.

From The Daily Beast

The U.S. Secretary of State delivers a rousing call-to-arms before an enthusiastic Lincoln Center crowd.

From The Daily Beast

She held Jarvis's letter in her hand—his call-to-arms letter.

From Project Gutenberg

The door swung shut behind them to a last call-to-arms, "Go to it!"

From Project Gutenberg