present arms

noun

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pre·sent arms | \ pri-ˈzent-

Definition of present arms

1 : a position in the manual of arms in which the rifle is held vertically in front of the body

2 : a command to assume the position of present arms or to give a hand salute

Examples of present arms in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The guards at Schönbrunn were forbidden to present arms and were instructed to look at the ground when her carriage passed. — David Netto, Town & Country, 7 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'present arms.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.