transitive. To bring (a weapon) back to a vertical position (known as recover arms (also swords)). Cf. recover, n. 4a. Occasionally intransitive…

Military (now historical). to support arms: to carry one's musket or rifle vertically against the left shoulder, with the cock or hammer resting on…

Military. to secure arms: to hold a rifle securely under the arm with the barrel pointing downwards to shield the weapon from rain, typically as…

to shoulder arms (esp. imperative as a word of command): to hold one's rifle in a nearly vertical position, the barrel resting against the…