present arms

noun

, Military.

1. a position of salute in the manual of arms in which the rifle is held in both hands vertically in front of the body, with the muzzle upward and the trigger side forward.
2. (for troops in formation not under arms) the hand salute.

Word History and Origins

Origin of present arms¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

In his book “April 1865: The Month that Saved America,” Jay Winik recounts how, after signing the surrender of the Southern Army, when leaving the courthouse, Lee and his disconsolate followers found Grant’s troops waiting solemnly outside, not to gloat but to present arms.

From Seattle Times

“Present arms!” the leader of the rifle drill team shouted, followed by other orders like “Order arms!” and “March!” as the cadets responded in unison.

From Washington Times

Alone on a Seoul street, he’ll pretend his umbrella is a rifle and present arms as he lifts his now aged legs in a rigid, still springy march and remembers the long-ago, exalted feeling.

From Washington Times

After a brief service, the family rises, the officers present arms, and a seven-man team fires a three-volley salute — three sets of seven shots.

From Washington Post

“I gave the command to present arms, and we raised our sabers for Kennedy to walk under, like a tunnel,” Broadus said.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• acknowledge
• bow
• congratulate
• hail
• recognize
• welcome