half cock

¹ American  

[haf kok] / ˈhæf ˈkɒk /

noun

1. the position of the hammer of a firearm when held halfway to the fully retracted position by a mechanism that prevents it from being released and firing the gun when the trigger is pulled.

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half-cock ² American  

[haf-kok, hahf-] / ˈhæfˈkɒk, ˈhɑf- /

verb (used with object)

1. to set the hammer of (a firearm) at half cock.

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half-cock British  

noun

1. on a single-action firearm, a halfway position in which the hammer can be set for safety; in this position the trigger is cocked by the hammer which cannot reach the primer to fire the weapon

2. 1. to fail as a result of inadequate preparation or premature starting

   2. to act or function prematurely

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Etymology

Origin of half cock¹

First recorded in 1695–1705

Origin of half-cock²

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Then it was not Dickinson's, but Jackson's, pistol that stopped at , half cock.

From Time Magazine Archive

He did so now, then put the hammer on half cock so it couldn't fire accidentally, and started off.

From The Caves of Fear by Goodwin, Harold L. (Harold Leland)

"I beg your pardon, sir," said Lord Ipsden to his antagonist; "I am going to take a liberty—a great liberty with you, but I think you will find your pistol is only at half cock."

From Christie Johnstone by Reade, Charles

"There is no use going off at half cock, Craig," he snarled.

From Gordon Craig Soldier of Fortune by Kimball, Alonzo

When three hours are up, the regulators are pulled back and all burners lit at half cock.

From Pottery, for Artists Craftsmen & Teachers by Cox, George J.