Half"cock` (-kŏk`), v. t.
[imp. & p. p. Halfcocked(-kŏkt);
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]