Half"cock` (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Halfcocked(?); p. pr. & vb. n. Halfcocking.]
To set the cock of (a firearm) at the first notch.
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]
<-- now written half-cocked -->
© Webster 1913.