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.
The half-life refers to the time it takes for half of a given dose to be eliminated from the body or bloodstream. Physicians who prescribe and dispense medication should note the drug's half-life when deciding on the best drug regimen for a patient. A drug's half-life is the time it takes for half of a dosage to leave the body or blood stream.