half cock
noun
Definition of half cock
1 : the position of the hammer of a firearm when about half retracted and held by the sear so that it cannot be operated by a pull on the trigger
2 chiefly British : a state of inadequate preparation or mental confusion go off at half cock
Explore Merriam-Webster
1745
First Known Use of half cock
1745
Learn More about half cock
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up half cock? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!