half-cock

[ haf-kok, hahf- ]
/ ˈhæfˈkɒk, ˈhɑf- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR half-cock ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to set the hammer of (a firearm) at half cock.

Origin of half-cock

First recorded in 1825–35

Words nearby half-cock

half-caste, half-cell, half-century, half-circle, half-closed, half-cock, half-cocked, half-completed, half-concealed, half-conscious, half-convinced

Definition for half cocked (2 of 2)

half-cocked
[ haf-kokt, hahf- ]
/ ˈhæfˈkɒkt, ˈhɑf- /

adjective

(of a firearm) at the position of half cock.
lacking mature consideration or enough preparation; ill-considered or ill-prepared; half-baked.

Origin of half-cocked

First recorded in 1800–10

Words related to half cocked

hasty, ill-considered, untimely, tenderfoot, green, rookie, half-baked, inopportune, precipitate, previous, half-cocked, overhasty, unskilled, dabbling, unaccomplished

British Dictionary definitions for half cocked (1 of 2)

half-cock

noun

on a single-action firearm, a halfway position in which the hammer can be set for safety; in this position the trigger is cocked by the hammer which cannot reach the primer to fire the weapon
go off at half-cock or go off half-cocked
  1. to fail as a result of inadequate preparation or premature starting
  2. to act or function prematurely

British Dictionary definitions for half cocked (2 of 2)

half-cocked

adjective

(of a firearm) at half-cock