full cock

American

[fool kok] / ˈfʊl ˈkɒk /

noun

the position of the hammer of a firearm when it is pulled back all the way, ready to be released and fall when the trigger is pulled.

His rifle was at full cock, pointed directly at the intruder.

Etymology

Origin of full cock

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“The only conceivable alternative to the foregoing would be a situation in which the trigger was already pulled or held rearward while retracting the hammer to its full cock position.”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 15, 2023

With the hammer in full cock position, the FBI report stated the gun could not be made to fire without pulling the trigger while the working internal components were intact and functional.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 15, 2022

“Alright it’s on the charge. Ready to fire. Put it on full cock and we’ll go,” he said.

From Washington Times • Jan. 18, 2020

It is supposed that the gun was at full cock, and that the slight jar of putting the butt to the ground must have let the hammer down.

From March to Magdala by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

As regards the half and full cock of the hammers, there is one safe rule to follow.

From Harper's Round Table, June 18, 1895 by Various

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023