gaff

The definition of a gaff is a pole with a hook.

(noun)

A stick with a spear on the end that you use to catch a fish by thrusting it down quickly into the fish is an example of a gaff.

To gaff is defined as to capture or impale using a stick with a hook or spear on the end.

(verb)

When you stab and catch a fish using a stick with a spear on the end, this is an example of when you gaff the fish.

See gaff in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a large, strong hook on a pole, or a barbed spear, used in landing large fish
1. a sharp metal spur fastened to the leg of a gamecock
2. any of the steel points on a lineman's climbing iron
1. a spar or pole extending from the after side of a mast and supporting a fore-and-aft sail
2. U.S. Navy a similarly located spar on the mainmast, from which the ensign is flown when a ship is underway
Slang any secret device for cheating
Origin: earlier in sense of “a fair”: ? because visitors were gaffed there
Brit., Slang a cheap theater, dance hall, etc.

Origin: ME gaffe < OFr < OProv gaf or Sp gafa < Goth gafah, a catch < ga-, intens. + fahan, to catch, akin to fang

transitive verb

noun

Brit., Slang foolish talk; nonsense

Origin: prob. altered < earlier gab, mockery < ME, deceit: see gab

See gaff in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A large iron hook attached to a pole or handle and used to land large fish.
Nautical A spar attached to the mast and used to extend the upper edge of a fore-and-aft sail.
a. A sharp metal spur or spike fastened to the leg of a gamecock.
b. A climbing hook used by telephone and electric line workers.
Slang A trick or gimmick, especially one used in a swindle or to rig a game.
Slang Harshness of treatment; abuse.

transitive verb gaffed, gaf·fing, gaffs

To hook or land (a fish) using a gaff.
To equip (a gamecock) with a gaff.
Slang
a. To take in or defraud; swindle.
b. To rig or fix in order to cheat: knew that the carnival games had been gaffed.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English gaffe

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Old Provençal gaf

Origin: , from gafar, to seize

Origin: , of Germanic origin; see kap- in Indo-European roots

noun
Chiefly British

A public place of entertainment, especially a cheap or disreputable music hall or theater.
Slang A house, building, or apartment, especially where one resides.

Origin:

Origin: Origin unknown

noun

Variant of gaffe.

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