The Collaborative International Dictionary
At full cock
Cock \Cock\, n. [It. cocca notch of an arrow.]
The notch of an arrow or crossbow.
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The hammer in the lock of a firearm.
At cock, At full cock, with the hammer raised and ready to fire; -- said of firearms, also, jocularly, of one prepared for instant action.
At half cock. See under Half.
Cock feather (Archery), the feather of an arrow at right angles to the direction of the cock or notch.
--Nares.