English
about-face
From about + face, first attested in 1861, used in the imperative in the military.
first attested From about + face, first attested in 1861, used in the imperative in the military (as stated in the etymology)
The story
From about + face, first attested in 1861, used in the imperative in the military.
Today it means
noun An abrupt turn to face the opposite direction.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / about-face