HALF COCK


Meaning of HALF COCK in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ noun ]

Date: 1745

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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.