Halfcock /(-kŏk`)/

Half·cock

Halfcock

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Halfcocked; p. pr. & vb. n. Halfcocking

  1. To set the cock of (a firearm) at the first notch.

Phrases & Compounds
To go off half-cocked
To be discharged prematurely, or with the trigger at half cock; -- said of a firearm.