at ease

Prepositional phrase

1. Free of anxiety; not stressed or tense.
   • Into the trees / Past meadow grounds / And further away from my home / Baying behind me / I hear the hounds / Flock's chasing to find me alone / A trail of sickness / Leading to me / If I am haunted / Then you will see / Searching the darkness / And emptiness / I'm hiding away from the sun / Will...2005, “Reverie / Harlequin Forest”, in Mikael Åkerfeldt (lyrics), Ghost Reveries, performed by Opeth, Sweden

   Synonyms:

   easygoing, laid-back

2. (marching) In a relaxed position with the feet apart rather than at attention.
3. (marching) Allowed to refrain from being in rigid formation.
   • At this command, the soldiers will carry their firelocks as they please, as prescribed in the soldier's drill, No 120, and are no longer required to march with the same step, or to observe silence ; the files will march at ease ; but they will be careful not to confuse the ranks, and the front rank...1809, William Duane, The American military library
   • If the column be composed of a considerable number of battalions, the commander can march it at ease, as a column of route.1821, Pierce Darrow, Winfield Scott, Scott's Militia Tactics, page 133

Interjection

at ease

1. A command to be at ease.
   • At ease, privates!