Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Halfcock
Half′cockˊ
(-kŏkˊ)
, Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Halfcocked
(-kŏkt)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Halfcocking
.] To set the cock of (a firearm) at the first notch.
To go off half-cocked
, To go off halfcocked
(a)
To be discharged prematurely, or with the trigger at half cock; – said of a firearm.
(b)
To do or say something without due thought or care.
[Colloq. or Low]