halfcock

Half"cock`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Halfcocked(); p. pr. & vb. n. Halfcocking.] Defn: 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]

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