I. ˈhak verb
Etymology: Middle English hakken, from Old English -haccian; akin to Old High German hacchōn to hack, Old English hōc hook
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
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
hack 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
hack ed his way through the brush
3.
a. : to manage successfully
just couldn't hack the new job
b. : tolerate
I can't hack all this noise
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to make chopping strokes or blows
hack ed at the weeds
also : to make cuts as if by chopping
hack ing away at the work force
b. : to play inexpert golf
2. : to cough in a short dry manner
3. : loaf — usually used with around
4.
a. : to write computer programs for enjoyment
b. : to gain access to a computer illegally
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- hack it
II. noun
Date: 14th century
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 — usually used in the phrase under hack
6. : a usually creative solution to a computer hardware or programming problem or limitation
III. noun
Etymology: short for hackney
Date: 1672
1.
a. : hackney
b.
(1) : taxicab
(2) : cabdriver
2.
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 ; especially : a three-gaited saddle horse
d. : a ride on a horse
3.
a. : a person who works solely for mercenary reasons : hireling
party hack s
b. : a writer who works on order ; also : a writer who aims solely for commercial success
c. : hacker 2
IV. adjective
Date: circa 1734
1. : working for hire especially with mediocre professional standards
a hack journalist
2. : performed by, suited to, or characteristic of a hack
hack writing
3. : hackneyed , trite
V. verb
Date: 1857
intransitive verb
1. : to ride or drive at an ordinary pace or over the roads especially as distinguished from racing or hunting
2. : to operate a taxicab
transitive verb
: to ride (a horse) at an ordinary pace
VI. transitive verb
Etymology: hack, noun, board on which a hawk is fed, state of partial liberty, probably alteration of Middle English hache, heche, heck lower door, hatch
Date: 1883
: to rear (a young hawk) in a state of partial liberty especially prior to the acquisition of flight and hunting capabilities
VII. noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: circa 1914
slang : a guard especially at a prison