marching orders definitions

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: (informal) a notice of dismissal or discharge [syn: walking papers, marching orders]
2: an order from a superior officer for troops to depart

Merriam Webster's

noun plural Date: 1714 authoritative orders or instructions especially to set out on or as if on a march

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

see march