port arms

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of port arms¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

An infantry Marine may see the slanted structure as a soldier at port arms.

From Washington Post

Wearing a long, dark coat and dark glasses, Kearbey tucked the pistol away and held the rifle “port arms” - military style - and began to jog the 200 yards from his house on Walnut Street to the junior high, where he was a ninth-grader.

From Washington Times

Four of those hurt were customers at the Cinque Port Arms and police said the fifth was the driver of the vehicle.

From BBC

The bumper was at a high port arms.

From Literature

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

From New York Times