I can't even begin to name everyone who has provided me with the answer to defining this term today. Thanks to everyone who helped out.
The common ground running through all the definitions (some from books, websites, experiences in the military, references in novels and other books, etc) are these:
1. From some kind of explosive device;
2. A fire having been lit, but somehow smolders
without actually firing or exploding.
In the political context I was reading, I guess this translates into a delay on some action which looked like it had been previously ready to go ... i.e., a vote on a nomination, legislation, etc.
I'm left with the question, is it really just delayed or, in effect, DEAD, due to the 2000 Presidential Elections. Obviously, this cannot be answered by the colorful writing of a newspaper columnist (who compared the situation to a "hang fire").
Thanks again to everyone,
Christine
Christine M. Stouffer, Firm Librarian
Ulmer & Berne LLP
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
email: cstouffer@ulmer.com
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