noun

1. a large, strong hook on a pole, or a barbed spear, used in landing large fish
2. 1. a sharp metal spur fastened to the leg of a gamecock
   2. any of the steel points on a lineman's climbing iron
3. 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
4. Slang any secret device for cheating

5. Etymology: earlier in sense of “a fair”: ? because visitors were gaffed there

   Brit., Slang a cheap theater, dance hall, etc.

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

transitive verb

1. to strike or land (a fish) with a gaff
2. Chiefly Brit., Slang to cheat; hoax; trick
3. Naut., Slang to rig with a gaff

noun

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