halfcock

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CIDE DICTIONARY

halfcock, v. t.

To set the cock of (a firearm) at the first notch. [1913 Webster]

To go off half-cocked, 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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