Parade rest Meaning and Definition
Parade rest
Pronunciation
/ˈpærəd riːst/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A military position, typically assumed against a wall or other obstacle, where soldiers stand at ease with their right foot forward, their rifles held in their left hands, and their right hands grasping the sling of their rifles.
Examples
- The soldiers stood at parade rest during the ceremony.
- The cadets were instructed to assume parade rest during inspection.
Synonyms
- At ease
- Stand at attention
Antonyms
- Stand at attention
- Assume a defensive position
Etymology
The term “parade rest” originated in the British Army in the 18th century, derived from the French phrase “repos de parade,” meaning “rest of parade.” It was adopted by the British Army and subsequently by other armies around the world.
Additional Information
Parade rest is an important aspect of military protocol and discipline, allowing soldiers to demonstrate obedience and attention to duty. It is often used during ceremonies, inspections, and other formal events.
In modern times, parade rest has also been adopted as a metaphor in other contexts, such as business and education, to describe a position of attention and readiness.
Usage Notes
Parade rest is typically used in military contexts, but it can also be used in more formal settings, such as ceremonies or inspections.
When used in military contexts, parade rest is often used in combination with other commands, such as “attention” or “at ease.”
Cultural References
Parade rest has been featured in several films, television shows, and books, often used to depict military scenes and ceremonies.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“At ease” is an idiomatic phrase that is sometimes used instead of “parade rest” in informal contexts.
Related Words or Phrases
Stand at attention
Assume a defensive position
Collocations
parade rest and “at ease”
parade rest and “inspections”
Frequency of Use
Parade rest is a relatively infrequent term in modern language, typically used in military or formal contexts.
Common Misspellings
paradas rest
parade west