To serve as a soldier; to fight (for a country, cause, etc.).

to take (up) arms: to arm oneself; to assume a hostile attitude either defensive or offensive; to prepare to fight; cf. to take on 3b at take, v.…

intransitive. To fight or do military service as part of an armed force; to be deployed in a particular battle, campaign, or theatre of war…

intransitive. To make or carry on war; to fight. Now only literary. To serve as a soldier.

Military. Originally: to carry (a pike or similar weapon) in the right hand in an oblique position with the head forward and the butt nearly…

intransitive. To serve as a paid soldier or mercenary.

to follow the drum: to be a soldier; (also) to accompany the army, to be a camp follower.

to see and serve: to participate in a military campaign; to fight against a given enemy. Chiefly in to have seen and served. Cf. to see service at se…

intransitive. To serve as a soldier. Also with it.

intransitive. To serve as a soldier; to take part in warfare. Obsolete.

intransitive. To act or serve as a soldier. Also with it.

Military attire (for which buff was formerly much used); a military coat made of buff; = buff coat, n. Also the dress of sergeants and catch-poles…

In phrase to go (a-)soldiering.