/haf"kokt", hahf"-/ , adj.
1. (of a firearm) at the position of half cock.
2. lacking mature consideration or enough preparation; ill-considered or ill-prepared; half-baked.
3. go off half-cocked , to act or happen prematurely: He went off half-cocked and told everyone the news.
Also, go off at half cock .
[ 1800-10 ]