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half cock
1[ haf kok ]
noun
- the position of the hammer of a firearm when held halfway to the fully retracted position by a mechanism that prevents it from being released and firing the gun when the trigger is pulled. Compare full cock ( def ).
half-cock
2[ haf-kok, hahf- ]
verb (used with object)
- to set the hammer of (a firearm) at half cock.
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
- to fail as a result of inadequate preparation or premature starting
- to act or function prematurely
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Word History and Origins
Origin of half cock1
First recorded in 1695–1705
Origin of half cock2
First recorded in 1825–35
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Example Sentences
The hammer of the Tennesseean's pistol stopped at half-cock.
From Project Gutenberg
He saw Stacy not thirty yards before him with his rifle at half-cock.
From Project Gutenberg
They get smart raps from the coastguard chaps with their blunderbuss fixed half-cock.
From Project Gutenberg
Like a gun discharged at half-cock, the ball leaped from his hand and came whistling toward the batter.
From Project Gutenberg
There is no putting to half-cock but only slipping the safety on or off.
From Project Gutenberg
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