To hang fire

To hang fire
Hang Hang (h[a^]ng), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Hanged} (h[a^]ngd) or {Hung} (h[u^]ng); p. pr. & vb. n. {Hanging}.

Usage: The use of hanged is preferable to that of hung, when reference is had to death or execution by suspension, and it is also more common.] [OE. hangen, hongien, v. t. & i., AS. hangian, v. i., fr. h[=o]n, v. t. (imp. heng, p. p. hongen); akin to OS. hang[=o]n, v. i., D. hangen, v. t. & i., G. hangen, v. i, h["a]ngen, v. t., Icel. hanga, v. i., Goth. h[=a]han, v. t. (imp. ha['i]hah), h[=a]han, v. i. (imp. hahaida), and perh. to L. cunctari to delay. [root]37. ] 1. To suspend; to fasten to some elevated point without support from below; -- often used with up or out; as, to hang a coat on a hook; to hang up a sign; to hang out a banner. [1913 Webster]

2. To fasten in a manner which will allow of free motion upon the point or points of suspension; -- said of a pendulum, a swing, a door, gate, etc. [1913 Webster]

3. To fit properly, as at a proper angle (a part of an implement that is swung in using), as a scythe to its snath, or an ax to its helve. [U. S.] [1913 Webster]

4. To put to death by suspending by the neck; -- a form of capital punishment; as, to hang a murderer. [1913 Webster]

5. To cover, decorate, or furnish by hanging pictures, trophies, drapery, and the like, or by covering with paper hangings; -- said of a wall, a room, etc. [1913 Webster]

Hung be the heavens with black. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

And hung thy holy roofs with savage spoils. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

6. To paste, as paper hangings, on the walls of a room. [1913 Webster]

7. To hold or bear in a suspended or inclined manner or position instead of erect; to droop; as, he hung his head in shame. [1913 Webster]

Cowslips wan that hang the pensive head. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

8. To prevent from reaching a decision, esp. by refusing to join in a verdict that must be unanimous; as, one obstinate juror can hang a jury. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

{To hang down}, to let fall below the proper position; to bend down; to decline; as, to hang down the head, or, elliptically, to hang the head.

{To hang fire} (Mil.), to be slow in communicating fire through the vent to the charge; as, the gun hangs fire; hence, to hesitate, to hold back as if in suspense. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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