hack

hack

hack¹ [hak]

vt.

[ME hacken < OE haccian, akin to Ger hacken < IE base * keg-, peg, hook > HOOK, HATCHEL]

1.

a) to chop or cut crudely, roughly, or irregularly, as with a hatchet

b) to shape, trim, damage, etc. with or as with rough, sweeping strokes

2. to break up (land) as with a hoe or mattock

☆ 3. Slang to deal with or carry out successfully

☆ 4. Slang to annoy or irritate: usually with off

☆ 5. Basketball to foul by striking the arm of (an opponent who has the ball) with the hand or arm

6. Rugby to foul by kicking (an opponent) on the shins

vi.

1. to make rough or irregular cuts

2. to give harsh, dry coughs

☆ 3. Basketball to hack an opponent

n.

1. a tool for cutting or hacking, as an ax, hoe, mattock, etc.

2. a slash, gash, or notch made by a sharp implement

3. a hacking blow

4. a harsh, dry cough

——————

☆ hack around

Informal to engage in aimless activity; spend time idly

——————

☆ hack it

Slang to carry out or manage something successfully

hack² [hak]

n.

[contr. < HACKNEY]

1.

a) a horse for hire

b) a horse for all sorts of work

c) a saddle horse

d) an old, worn-out horse

2. a person hired to do routine, often dull, writing; literary drudge

☆ 3. a worker for a political party, usually holding office through patronage and serving devotedly and unquestioningly

4. a carriage or coach for hire

5. Informal

a) a taxicab

b) a hackman or cabdriver

vt.

1. to employ as a hack

2. to hire out (a horse, etc.)

3. to wear out or make stale by constant use

vi.

1. Brit. to jog along on a horse

☆ 2. Informal to drive a taxicab

3. Comput. to be a HACKER (sense 3)

adj.

1. employed as a hack [a hack writer]

2. done by a hack [a hack job]

3. stale; trite; hackneyed [hack writing]

hack³ [hak]

n.

[orig., board on which a falcon's meat was put, var. of HATCH²]

a grating or rack for drying cheese or fish, holding food for cattle, etc.

vt.

to place on a hack for drying