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Definition of Hair-trigger
1. Noun. a trigger that will set off a firearm when even a very small pressure is applied ¹
2. Adjective. unstable, in a situation that could be worsened by the slightest mistake ¹
3. Adjective. easily angered, having a short temper ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Lexicographical Neighbors of Hair-trigger
Literary usage of Hair-trigger
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. The Century Dictionary: An Encyclopedic Lexicon of the English Language by William Dwight Whitney (1889)
"A hook; specifically, a pot-hook. hair-trigger (har'trig'er), ». ... The hair-trigger
la so adjusted as to be actuated by a very light pressure, ..."
2. Fares, Please!: And Other Essays on Practical Themes by Halford Edward Luccock (1916)
"Most any fact can be distorted by the man with a hair-trigger constitution into
a grievous personal thrust at himself. The root of the malady is in a ..."
3. Applied Psychology ...: A Series of Twelve Volumes on the Application of by Warren Hilton, Society of Applied Psychology (1914)
"Simply because a high order of initiative psychic power requires more than a
hair-trigger spirit of adventure. It requires vision—• vision minute as well as ..."
4. The Romance of Duelling in All Times and Countries by Andrew Steinmetz (1868)
"Of course duelling pistols could be made to pull off very fine at full cock,
instead of a hair-trigger, but it is impossible to fire so accurately with ..."
5. An American Glossary by Richard Hopwood Thornton (1912)
"Hair trigger—contd. 1806 hair-triggered Pistols,—the surest shot with a steady hand.
... 1841 When the bill is reported, some hair-trigger gentleman of your ..."
6. Reminiscences of Senator William M. Stewart, of Nevada by William Morris Stewart (1908)
"CHAPTER XII I become interested in politics— Governor Bigler insulted — Appointed
Attorney-General — Terry and Broderick duel— A tragedy in a hair trigger ..."
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