Present Arms Definition

prĭ-zĕnt

noun

A position in the military manual of arms in which the rifle is held vertically in front of the body.

American Heritage

A command to assume present arms or to give a hand salute.

American Heritage

verb

(military) To adopt a stance where the gun is carried perpendicularly in front of the centre of the body, and held there with the left hand grasping it at the lower band, and the right hand grasping the small of the stock, in token of respect, as in saluting a superior officer.

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