[hack] vb [ME hakken, fr. OE -haccian; akin to OHG hacchon to hack, OE hoc hook] vt (13c) 1 a: to cut or sever with repeated irregular or unskillful blows b: to cut or shape by or as if by crude or ruthless strokes "~ing out new election districts" c: annoy, vex--often used with off
2: to clear or make by or as if by cutting away vegetation "~ed his way through the brush" 3 a: to manage successfully "just couldn't ~ the new job" b: tolerate "I can't ~ all this noise" ~ vi 1 a: to make chopping strokes or blows "~ed at the weeds"; also: to make cuts as if by chopping "~ing away at the work force" b: to play inexpert golf "~ed around the course"
2: to cough in a short dry manner
3: loaf--usu. used with around
[2]hack n (14c) 1: an implement for hacking
2: nick, notch
3: a short dry cough
4: a hacking stroke or blow
5: restriction to quarters as punishment for naval officers--usu. used in the phrase under hack [3]hack n [short for hackney] (ca. 1721) 1 a (1): a horse let out for common hire (2): a horse used in all kinds of work b: a horse worn out in service: jade c: a light easy saddle horse; esp: a three-gaited saddle horse d: a ride on a horse
2. a: hackney b (1): taxicab (2): cabdriver 3 a: a person who works solely for mercenary reasons: hireling "party ~s" b: a writer who works on order; also: a writer who aims solely for commercial success [4]hack adj (ca. 1734) 1: working for hire esp. with mediocre professional standards
2: performed by, suited to, or characteristic of a hack "~ writing"
3: hackneyed, trite [5]hack vi (ca. 1888) 1: to ride or drive at an ordinary pace or over the roads esp. as distinguished from racing or hunting
2: to operate a taxicab ~ vt: to ride (a horse) at an ordinary pace [6]hack n [origin unknown] (ca. 1914) slang: a guard esp. at a prison