What is "recover arms"

Recover \Re*cov"er\ (r?*k?v"?r), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Recovered (-?rd); p. pr. & vb. n. Recovering. ] [OE. recoveren, OF. recovrer, F. recouvrer, from L. recuperare; pref. re- re + a word of unknown origin. Cf. Recuperate.]

1. To get or obtain again; to get renewed possession of; to win back; to regain.

   David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away.
   --1. Sam. xxx. 18.

2. To make good by reparation; to make up for; to retrieve; to repair the loss or injury of; as, to recover lost time. ``Loss of catel may recovered be.''
   --Chaucer.

   Even good men have many failings and lapses to lament and recover.
   --Rogers.

3. To restore from sickness, faintness, or the like; to bring back to life or health; to cure; to heal.

   The wine in my bottle will recover him.
   --Shak.

4. To overcome; to get the better of, -- as a state of mind or body.

   I do hope to recover my late hurt.
   --Cowley.

   When I had recovered a little my first surprise.
   --De Foe.

5. To rescue; to deliver.

   That they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him.
   --2. Tim. ii. 2

6. 6. To gain by motion or effort; to obtain; to reach; to come to. [Archaic]

   The forest is not three leagues off; If we recover that, we're sure enough.
   --Shak.

   Except he could recover one of the Cities of Refuge he was to die.
   --Hales.

7. (Law) To gain as a compensation; to obtain in return for injury or debt; as, to recover damages in trespass; to recover debt and costs in a suit at law; to obtain title to by judgement in a court of law; as, to recover lands in ejectment or common recovery; to gain by legal process; as, to recover judgement against a defendant.

   Recover arms (Mil. Drill), a command whereby the piece is brought from the position of ``aim'' to that of ``ready.''

   Syn: To regain; repossess; resume; retrieve; recruit; heal; cure.