Under a franchise arrangement, a person or company purchases the ability to run a local business under a larger company's brand. Depending on the franchise arrangement, the local party may have to meet certain standards established by the larger company and purchase products from the larger company as well.
Half-cock is when the position of the hammer is partially but not completely cocked.
This is what we say in America; the British equivalent is âto go off half cockâ or âat half cock.â. Either way the meaning is to speak or do something hastily, without adequate preparation, prematurely.